Lawrence Dana (Larry) Eckert, 83, of Greene, NY passed away at Wilson Hospital. He was born on June 1, 1928 in Walton, NY to Theodore and Elizabeth (Gray) Eckert.

Larry lived in Walton in his younger years before his family moved to DeLancey, NY and then purchased a 300-acre dairy farm on West Terry Clove outside DeLancey. He attended a one-room schoolhouse in the clove. He could recall helping his grandfather during the spring sap season. During his high school years, he attended Downsville Central School and was a member of the football team and was a catcher for the baseball team. He graduated in 1946.

After high school, he worked on the family farm. On April 4, 1953, he married Trudy M. Watson of Hamden, NY. They bought the family farm in 1954. They enjoyed life in the Clove, helping neighbors with haying and attending square dances and social gatherings at the Basin and Terry Clove Community Hall. He liked to deer hunt on his land. They sold the cattle in 1973, but continued to raise dairy replacements and veal calves for a few years. They gradually sold parcels of the farm and, in 2000, sold the house and remaining acreage, then moved to Oneonta.

In addition to running a farm, Larry usually had a second job. He worked at Bean Bros Bowling Pin factory in Walton and then he worked as a carpenter for Ted Janecki, Roland Finch and Warren Peck in the Walton area. In the mid-1960's, he suffered the loss of three fingers of his left hand in an accident in the wood shop. Because he loved working with wood, he adapted to the loss and continued to work as a carpenter. Eventually, he became a self-employed contractor until he retired in 1990.

Larry and Trudy enjoyed western square dancing for many years with a Walton dance club. They also enjoyed camping at the Unadilla KOA. After retirement they traveled across the southern and western states through the winter months. Trudy predeceased him in 2006 after 53 years of marriage.

In addition to their 3 children, Larry and Trudy parented many foster children from Delaware County.

At age 67, Larry had triple bypass heart surgery and two years later suffered a stroke. Although he could no longer do many of things he had previously enjoyed, he adapted to the change and continued to enjoy life. In 2008, he moved to CHIP Housing in Greene.NY where he was able to live fairly independently with the support of his family and wonderful aides-Lani, Melanie, Leona , Mairi, and Dawn. In early August 2011, he suffered a second stroke.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Thelma Hammond, Arlene Utter and Jane Utter and his brother, Leonard Eckert.

Surviving are his children, Gerald Eckert of Las Vegas, NV, Kathy (Thomas) Creagh of Binghamton, NY and Robert Eckert of Delhi, NY and 3 grandsons, Justin, Jeffrey and Patrick Creagh. Larry was a great dad and grandpa and will be greatly missed.

Also surviving are his sister,

Sandra Johnson of Delhi, NY, sister-in-law, Carol Eckert of Walton, NY, brother and sister-in-law, Junie and Bev Watson of Hamden, NY, sister-in-law, Jennie Watson of Sidney, NY brother-in-law, Jack Pardee of DeLancey, NY and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

We would especially like to thank the many family and friends who were supportive during this difficult time and Dr Eder, Dr. Mullins and the wonderful nursing staff North Tower Neuro unit at Wilson Hospital for their tender and compassionate care.

Services will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 3, 2011 at the Courtney Funeral home on 25 Townsend St. in Walton, NY. Calling hours will be from 9-11 a.m. Burial will be immediately following at the Hamden Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions in Lawrence's name may be made to Greene Emergencey Squad, or Greene Community Service Link to Life at P. O. Box 388, Greene, NY 13778.