William Henry Eichhorst

William Henry Eichhorst of rural Fithian passed away at 2:15 PM Saturday, January 2nd at Hawthorne Inn, Danville, Illinois. Bill attended the University of Illinois, served in the Army Air Corps in China during WWII, and then came home to his beloved farm. He was so proud to see the crops grow and decided that would be his life. Bill married in 1950 to Ethel M. Richter and they worked the land together. Daughters Julia Eileen (Ed) Vickrey of Aledo and Janie Marie Eichhorst-Smith (Brian Smith) of Carlock were the highlight of his life. He was very proud of his grandsons Donald William Vickrey, Derek William Smith, and Trevor Joseph Smith-they had many grand times together. His parents, Roy and Marie Eichhorst welcomed their son the home on June 4, 1924. He has one sister, Betty Jean Shepherd of Ogden. Bill was a very active member of Muncie Baptist Church, Stearns Cemetery Association Board, and Fithian Elementary School Board for many years. A service to celebrate the life of William Eichhorst will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the Muncie Baptist Church. Rev. David Garver will officiate services. Burial will follow at Stearns Cemetery in Fithian, with Military Rites performed by the Catlin American Legion Post #776. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials donations may be made to Muncie Baptist Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Sunset Funeral Home has been entrusted with assisting the Eichhorst family with arrangements. Please join their family in sharing memories and photos of Bill's life on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.