Gary "Chip" J. Eckinger

Gary J. “Chip” Eckinger, 66, of Elizabethtown, passed away unexpectedly at his home of natural causes on Saturday, September 16, 2017.  Born January 19, 1951 in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Jay F. and Vera E. (Moore) Eckinger.

A Veteran of the Vietnam War, Chip proudly served with the U.S. Army.

He is survived by a son, Tony J. Eckinger, companion of Allison Van Deursen; four grandchildren (whom he absolutely adored!); a brother, Rodney Eckinger and a sister, Jaylene Shifflett, wife of Danny, all of Elizabethtown.

It was not uncommon for Chip to make his occasional 2 AM runs to the casino or to just “step out”.  He often liked to stop at Gus’s for coffee, a quick bite to eat or to just hang out with the “guys”.  Whether it was a late night run for a taco and a milkshake, or a late afternoon nap, Chip would’ve wanted everyone to know he lived life on his own terms.  Even with his medical concerns and conditions, Chip always made it a point to be one of the bravest men his family ever met.  Regardless of how bad things would seem, he would take every day with a chuckle and grin while living like he was "living".

Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at the Miller-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 North Market Street, Elizabethtown, PA  17022, 717-367-1543.  Burial will follow in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, with military honors.  Closed casket visitation will be held from 11:30 AM until the time of the service.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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