Gola Richard Eckles, age 85, of Harrisburg and formerly of Franklin County, passed away at 2:27 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Richard was born on May 24, 1940, in Christopher, Illinois. He was raised by his grandparents Oliver Benton and Elizabeth (Gulley)Eckles and Zella Harland. He married the former Judy Kay Kirk on June 23, 1963, and together they shared in 62 years of marriage.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the beginning of the Vietnam War.
His working career consisted of working in the coal mines with Inland Steel, Freeman United Coal Mine #6, and Old Ben Coal Company Mine #25. He also proudly worked as a farmer and was a professional dog trainer having trained Setters, Pointers, and Brittany Spaniels.
Richard was a member of the U.M.W.A. and attended the First Baptist Church of Sesser.
Mr. Eckles enjoyed hunting, fishing, working, farming, gardening, and canning pickles. He enjoyed sharing the vegetables that he grew in his garden. His family stated that he loved to cook and shared his cooking with others, especially his homemade fudge. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving is his loving wife Judy Eckles of Harrisburg, Illinois; four daughters: Monica Eckles-Myers and husband Brian of Harrisburg, Illinois, Pamela Newell and husband Marvin of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Krista Furlow-Hinkle and husband Eric of Holly Springs, North Carolina, Glenda Phelps of Moweaqua, Illinois; grandchildren including: Nicholas Wingo, Dustin Eckles, Cody Wingo, Tyler Wingo, Leslie Eckles, Ally Eckles-Myers, Serenity Eckles-Myers, Lucas Eckles-Myers, Samantha Ealey, Jada Campbell, Alexis Eckelberger, Alex Hinkle, Taryn Hinkle; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Duffield, Logan Duffield, Aubria Eckles, Logan McDonnough, Joel McDonnough, Andie Lee Wingo, Lylah Pearl Wingo, Carter Ray Eckelberger; an aunt Elloween Sulcer of Sandoval, Illinois.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Kidney Foundation.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Richard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Eckles’ wishes are to be cremated.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
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