Alan “Al” Eckert passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Al was born on December 11, 1957 to Edward and Virginia Eckert. The youngest of six children, he grew up in South St. Louis in St. Cecelia’s parish before the family moved to Affton, Missouri, where Al proudly lived the rest of his life. At Affton High School Al was a cross country runner, drum major, active in the theatre program, and Homecoming King before graduating in 1976. 

He met Deborah “Debbie” Reinhardt while working at Affton’s Dairy Queen, and they married in 1980. Together they settled in Affton to raise their two children, Katie and Kevin. 

Al had an entrepreneurial spirit and led many successful ventures including as an American Family Insurance agent, the founder of PDQ Notary Service, and the founder of Al’s Estate Sales, all with Debbie by his side.  

Always a proud Affton cougar, Al remained active in community service throughout his career, serving in leadership roles in the Affton Chamber of Commerce, founding the Affton Jaycees, and contributing to various projects benefiting the Affton School District. Some of his memorable community achievements include being instrumental in the restoration and installation of the Velvet Freeze ice cream cone at Mesnier Elementary School, serving as the director of Affton Schools Hockey League, helping start the annual Affton Days Parade, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and Adopt-a-Highway cleanup. For his contributions to the Affton community, Al was inducted into the Affton Education Hall of Fame in 2024.

Al was a huge St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals fan and countless friends and family joined him for games over the years, including for Blues seasons in the last row at the old Arena, over a dozen Cardinals Home Openers, and the 2006 Cardinals World Series championship win. Al’s fandom was newsworthy; more than once he was interviewed on local news about his love of the Cardinals. 

Never one to sit still for long, Al would rather throw a party than attend one. He loved being the fun “Uncle Al” to his 15 nieces and nephews and throwing parties for families and friends, whether they be backyard BBQs (complete with fireworks), community events, or celebratory casino dinners.

A lover of bad jokes, he turned that into a hobby with his radio show “Don’t Worry Be Happy” that aired on WGNU in the mid-1990’s. To know Al was to either groan or laugh at a joke regularly. He never met a stranger and was generous with his money, time, and sense of humor. He loved old television shows especially Andy Griffith, classic rock especially Billy Joel, and sweet treats, whether they be from Little Debbie or, especially ones baked by his own Debbie.

Of all of his accomplishments, Al was most proud of his children, Katie and Kevin, also proud Affton graduates. In his later years, he delighted in his grandchildren Penny and Jack.

Survivors include his wife Debbie, children Katie and Kevin, daughter-in-law Holly, and grandchildren Penny and Jack; siblings Nancy (Dave) Willard, Larry (Peggy), Dennis (Cheri), and Diane (Rich) Liebsch, 14 nieces and nephews, dozens of cousins, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Eddie Eckert and mother Ginnie Eckert, brother, Jim Eckert, Jim’s wife, Debbie and his niece, Elizabeth Eckert.

Al’s big personality, bad jokes, and generosity will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Al’s honor may be made the American Diabetes Association or to the Aftton Education Foundation. To contribute to the Affton Education Foundation,  make check payable to Affton Education Foundation and mail to:

Affton Education Foundation
Attn: Judy Rethwisch 
8309 Mackenzie Road
St. Louis, MO 63123