Jon L. Eckert, of Abilene, passed away on Sunday, July 17, at the age of 59. Jon was born in Mason on December 31, 1951 to Ed E. Eckert and Vernelle Radetsky Eckert. He was raised in Mason and graduated from Mason High School in 1970, where he played football and showed livestock. Jon graduated from Texas A & M in 1974 and he "bled maroon" for the rest of his life!

After graduating from A & M, Jon went to work for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services for 28 years. During that time he worked in Brady, Ft. Stockton, Odessa and Abilene. He was named "Boss of the Quarter" several times and retired as a Regional Director. After retiring he continued to make his home in Abilene. Jon was also past State President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Jon was dedicated to his nieces and nephews and would attend events they participated in whenever he could. He loved to read and study history, especially family history and was also a "world class' Monopoly and Risk player. He also enjoyed hunting, not with a gun, but with his camera.

Jon is survived by his brothers and sisters Tommy Eckert and wife Candy of Mason, Dean Eckert and wife Loretta of Harper, Jean Lange and husband Richard of Norton and Ruth Gerig and husband Mike of Bartlett along with the following niece and nephews: Kyle Eckert, Kody Eckert and wife Jacki, Jedd Gerig and wife Erica, Kade Eckert, Sarah Lange and Travis Lange, great-nieces Ashlynn and Laynee Gerig and great-nephew Preston Gerig. He was preceded in death by his parents, a niece Erika Ruth Gerig and a nephew Kale Eckert Gerig.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 23, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mason Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Tim Fahrenthold officiating. Interment will follow in the Gooch Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be prior to the service Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pallbearers will be his nephews and niece. Serving as an honorary pallbearer is Larry Eckert.