In Loving Memory

BRADFORD, VT - Edward Eckman, age 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by family and his pastor. Born on November 6, 1939, in Lancaster City, PA, Edward was the son of Christ H. and Virginia Bernhardt Eckman. He grew up in Lancaster City, cherishing childhood memories along the Conestoga River.

Edward graduated from Lampeter-Strasburg High School in 1957, earned his bachelor's degree in education from Southeastern University in 1961, and completed theological studies at Gordon College Theological Seminary in 1964. That same year, he married Martha J. Stanley, with whom he shared a devoted partnership and raised three sons: David, Daniel, and Kevin.

Edward and Martha settled in Bradford, VT, after living briefly in Piermont, NH. He taught at Bradford Academy before serving as pastor at East Orange Union Church and West Fairlee Congregational Church. Later, he operated Eckman's Hardwood Equipment and continued to serve as a guest pastor at several area churches. Despite losing much of his eyesight, Edward contributed to his community by working in facilities maintenance at the Clara Martin Center.

A skilled builder and a trusted source of wisdom, Edward was a longtime member of the Bradford Evangelical Free Church. He loved gardening, generously sharing his harvest, and was an enthusiastic supporter of Boston sports teams, celebrating their championship victories. Above all, time spent with his grandchildren brought him great happiness.

Edward is survived by his sons: David E. Eckman of Sutton, NH; Daniel C. Eckman of Winthrop, MA; and Kevin F. Eckman and wife Marla Gardner Eckman with their children, Iris, and Ezekiel, of Waterbury, VT. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Harper of Bellefonte, PA, and Audrey Bucher of State College, PA, and his brother-in-law Harold Charles Stanley and wife Constance Stanley of The Villages, FL.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Martha J. Stanley Eckman; his parents, Christ H., and Virginia Bernhardt Eckman; and his brother, Ronald C. Eckman.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Bradford Evangelical Free Church, officiated by Pastor Brian Bailey.

Calling hours will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Hale Funeral Home in Bradford, VT.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward's honor may be made to the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative & Hospice Care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, or to the Vermont Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired in South Burlington, VT.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford, VT.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at: www.halefuneralhomes.com