Alan “Al” Eckert
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
The memories at Busch Stadium will be cherished forever! Your laughter was so contagious, it was impossible to not have a good time. Many of my friends knew the infamous, Uncle Al. I loved the stories Dad would share of their shenanigans. Your bad jokes will be missed. Until we meet again…
Al was always a great guy. I met him through being the dumpster guy at all of his estate sales, and he was one of the best guys I’ve ever met.
I will never forget first, Al’s huge sense of humor and, second, his dedication to cooking for the Anderson Family Reunion. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave! He never failed to greet everyone with a warm smile and positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. He will be sorely missed.
I first met all when I was a Jaycee trying to get interest in starting a Jaycee chapter in Affton. Without Al the chapter would have never taken off. That meeting with Al, his support of the Jaycees, ,also led to him offering my wife Cherie a job with his insurance agency…and so the friendship began.
Peace. What a great loss to all.
Smile on and send those positives vibes from Above.
My deepest condolences to Debbie, Kevin, Katie and all of the family. Al was our Affton High School class president and loved by so many. To say he will be greatly missed is a huge understatement. RIP.
The world is a little less brighter. A little (ok, a lot) more quiet without Al. I feel a shift with him gone. He love an audience and was great fun to be around. Full of passion for projects, I know he love his family above all. He was a good friend to many. Sending love. ❤️
Al was a great friend with a big heart. He helped us out in so many ways. We treasured getting to see him at each sale we went to along with his joke or story.
We will miss you Al. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
To Debbie and the Eckert family may God comfort you with His peace and love.
He will be missed. I thought he was one of the nicest and sweetest men u would want to meet.
RIP Al, you deserve to relax for a change. I always enjoyed working for Al. There wasnt a day that went by without hearing a joke from Al. I have to admit, they were funny! He was a very smart man. He knows how to run a business. He taught me alot. Hope heaven is ready for him! All the Angels will know when Al gets there! See you on the otherside my friend.
Al was a terrific guy who loved telling corny jokes, that we all loved and laughed at. You will truly be missed. My prayers to Eckert family!
Al made everyone’s life better for knowing him he made my classes better and was always there to help
I went to Al Sales a lot. When my grandson turned 14 I asked Al if he could come and work with him of course Al said yes and Parker got an education from Al the guys. My sisters and I would show up for the sales just to embarrass Parker. It turned out him and Parker got along pretty good. We will miss Al a lot. My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Rest in peace Al. Dolly Parker and Family
I remember AL well in the band room and as our Benjamin Franklin in “1776”.
Rip in peace buddy.
Sit Down John, Sit Down.
Debbie, So sorry to hear AL passed away. Al was the BEST. Our deepest sympathy to you and the Family . Al was a true pleasure to everyone he ever met He will truly be missed, God Rest His Soul and God Bless you and the Family.
Debbie,
Praying for you and your family.
My deepest sympathies to Debbie, Kevin, Katie and those adorable grandkids. Affton and those of us from Affton who knew Al became better because of him.
Heaven is gaining a leader for the angels who will certainly keep them laughing. RIP Al.
I an so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I had the privilege of teaching Al for 8th grade Earth Science. He was a bundle of smiles and had a great attitude towards life. He was a real joy. Much love and support to his family and friends. He is finally at peace after all he has experienced recently. A bright personality is going to be missed by many.
My Dear Neighbor Al, You were great and helpful neighbor. I know you for 28 years, you will be missed alot. Fikret
One fond memory of Al came from many years ago. Affton admin. had placed a moratorium on field trips. Sally Brueggemann and I had a nature field trip every fall taking our second graders to Blackburn Park. We were so disappointed.
Al asked for our lesson plans for the trip. That weekend he took his family to Blackburn and videotaped them having ‘our’ Blackburn experience.
Al brought that video to us so that our students could have a virtual field trip.
Al was such a thoughtful friend to the Affton School District.
My heart and prayers go out to Debbie and his family! He graduated s year before I did from Affton Senior High but everyone knew and loved him! He did an estate sale for us in 3021 and it was so good to touch base with him again. He was a good, caring man and he will be missed by many! We should all hope to leave the kind of legacy that Al has left us!
Debbie and family I am so very sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. Al was an amazing person! He did so much with his life and was successful. He loved his family passionately. Such a great and caring person who could make people laugh. He will be missed by many. Sending love, hugs and prayers. May God help you through your grief and give you strength, peace and hope. Love you Debbie. Let me know if I can do anything to help. You helped me♥️
Debbie and family I am so very sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you. Al was an amazing person! He did so much with his life and was successful. He loved his family passionately. Such a great and caring person who could make people laugh. He will be missed by many. Sending love, hugs and prayers. May God help you through your grief and give you strength, peace and hope. Love you Debbie. Let me know if I can do anything to help. You helped me.
Debbie, this breaks my heart! The world has lost a good one. You were so blessed to be given such a sweet and kind best friend. You are in my prayers, I wish you peace.
Debbie and Family , our prayers go out to you!!
My favorite color was purple and he would always joke , wearing your purple shirt today. My father Rich (the Chairman)White
was at everyone of Als sales and so was I. We both purchased over 100 lawn chairs from him over the many years.
He will be missed for his great jokes while waiting in line, he passed to soon.
Deepest condolences to the family.
Dear Al,
You and I discussed that my brother George had promised to say a few words at this point, but as you know, he can’t follow through on that commitment. But he always told me that you were one of those folks that make things work – a school class, a community, a better world. George was in awe of how you could set a goal, and then meticulously plan and work your way toward that objective. Never met a stranger, never made an enemy. You made a difference, my friend, and set a quiet, calm example of excellence.
All the best to Al’s family & Friends.
-Bob Steffen (Affton -74)
Al was so fun in high school. So talented in drama, he was a pleasure to watch. He made some really tough days so much better.
Calm winds and following seas, Godspeed, my friend.
Thank you for so many cherished memories.