Gary D. Eckel, 80, of Goliad formerly of Cuero and Refugio, passed away Wednesday June 15, 2016. He was born February 11, 1936 in La Grange to the late Edmond O. and Zeda Zapalac Eckel. Gary married Gloria M. Ruschhaupt on August 22, 1959 in Cuero. He served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; loving daughter, Kathi Moreno (Jessie) of Victoria; sister Marjorie A. Rose of Cuero; grandchildren Khristina Knebel of Cuero and Ashley Moreno of Austin; 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews Visitation will be held Monday, June 20, 2016 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Freund Funeral Home. Services will be Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at Freund Funeral Home at 10 a.m. with Father David Berger officiating. Interment to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers are Kenneth Knebel, Jonathan Knebel, Brandon Knebel, Jeffrey Forester, Vincent Heard and Richard Tompkins. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Goliad Pet Adoptions.