William Hall Eckles

William "Bill" Hall Eckles, a beloved father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the Maryville community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on Saturday, January 5th, 1946, in Maryville, Missouri, William spent his life dedicated to his family, his country, and his community. Bill's service to his country took him all over the world before returning to Maryville upon his retirement.

A graduate of Maryville High School, Class of 1964, Bill furthered his education by earning a Master's degree in Public Administration and Business Administration from UCM in Warrensburg, MO. His commitment to service was exemplified through his distinguished career as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), where he served with honor and integrity.

Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he developed a deep sense of duty and patriotism. His dedication to service extended beyond his professional life, as he was an active member of the Elks Club #760 and a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi and the National Honors Society.

Bill is survived by his loving daughters, Christine E. Eckles (Matt Grooms) of Smithville, MO, and Elizabeth A. Vidovic (Dejan "Dan") of Liberty, MO, and son William C. Eckles (Rachel) of Smithville, MO. He was a cherished grandfather to Sullivan Grooms, Ozzie Grooms, Dylan Eckles, Austin Eckles, Dominic Vidovic, and Declan Vidovic. William was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond William Eckles and Veronica Albertine Eckles.

Visitation will be held at Bram Funeral Home in Maryville, MO, on Monday, January 19th, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am in the same location. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Parnell, MO. Pallbearers will include Rodger Ruhl, Dejan Vidovic, Travis Turner, Brandon Brand, Dylan Eckles, and Sully Grooms. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Hutchins, Tim Westfall, Ross Johnson, Robert Ritterbusch, JR Calkins, and Matt Grooms.

Arrangements are being handled by Bram Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to NorthCare Hospice House (kchospice.org) and Maryville Elks Lodge. Bill's legacy of service, love, and dedication will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he served so faithfully.