David E. Eckert, 76, a resident at the Geno J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton and formerly of Halifax passed away Thursday January 22, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Scranton. He was born in Lower Allen Twp., PA, son of the late William and Mary McLaughlin Eckert. He had worked at the Lykens post office. He was a member of DAV; Halifax VFW #5750; Military order of the Purple Heart. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Surviving are a daughter, Beth Ritchie of Lykens; a sister, Charlotte Coulson of New Cumberland; two grandsons Gage and Zackariah Ritchie; nieces, Susan Gibb and Judy Freels. Graveside Services with military honors will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 1:30 PM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.