Willard Rick Eckhardt, age 48, of Independence, Missouri (formerly of Clinton, Missouri) passed Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at St. Luke's South Hospital, Overland Park, Kansas. Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. Burial will be at the Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. Family will receive friends one hour before the service on Saturday at the chapel. Family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneral home. com.

Rick was born in Clinton, Missouri, the son of Willard W. and Clarla Adelia (Leabo) Eckhardt. He was a self employed truck driver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard W. Eckhardt and Dea Leabo Eckhardt.

He is survived by one sister Dea Elaine Eckhardt Kuether and husband Keith of Sugar Creek, Missouri, one aunt, Lena Eckhardt Faigle of Keokuk, IA, two cousins, Pearl Eckhardt Combs and husband Kent of Clinton and Ted Faigle of Boston, MA and numerous other relatives and friends.