Herbert Echelmeier

Herbert William Echelmeier, 91 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away peacefully in his home within assisted care at Meyer Care Center on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Born Monday, January 7, 1929 in Higginsville, he was the son of the late Oscar Echelmeier and the late Maude (Raasch) Echelmeier. Herb graduated from Higginsville High School in 1947, then attended Kemper Military Academy before transferring to Purdue University through the Army ROTC and obtained a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in May of 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Louise (Sanders) Echelmeier on June 27, 1951. They honeymooned on their way to Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland upon his being called to active duty as a Lieutenant in the United States Army. In 1952 Herb received overseas orders and spent 15 months serving in the Korean Conflict. Upon returning from overseas duty he settled in Higginsville and took over the family auto parts and machine shop business. In 1964 he moved his family to Boonville to open a second NAPA Auto Parts store, moving the family back to Higginsville in 1972. He went on to expand the family business successfully with other part stores; yet his talent was helping many customers with their mechanical and electrical problems in the machine shop. Herb was a humble servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and a true gentleman of integrity and hard work ethic. Herb was confirmed at Salem United Church of Christ and remained a lifelong committed member as well as serving as a Sunday School teacher and a Synod delegate in his younger years. He also earned his Eagle Scout while in high school. He and Louise enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Europe after retirement. They also enjoyed spending time at their place on Lake of the Ozarks. They were married for 63 wonderful years. Louise preceded him in death on October 6, 2014. Surviving are two sons, Steven Echelmeier (Nancy) of Athens, AL, Stanton Echelmeier (Julie) of Corder, MO; two daughters, Sharon Echelmeier of Lake Tapawingo, MO, Susan Echelmeier of Boulder, CO; five grandchildren, Alexandra Echelmeier, Dr. Austin Echelmeier, Marie Bachtold (Roger J.), Reid Echelmeier (Shelby), Benjamin Echelmeier (Kim); four great-grandchildren, Cora Bachtold, Rosalee Bachtold, Wren Bachtold, and Arthur Echelmeier. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise Echelmeier; and one sister, Kathryn Bridges. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 17, 2020 at Salem United Church of Christ with the Rev. Dr. Tommy Faris officiating. Interment will follow in the City Cemetery, Higginsville. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM one hour prior to the service. Casket bearers: Reid Echelmeier, Benjamin Echelmeier, Roger J. Bachtold, John Stuerke, John Dye Jr., Tim Cowan. Honorary casket bearers: Howard Fisher, Larry Meinershagen, Robert Bridges, Larry Smith, James Lieser, Dr. Austin Echelmeier. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Church of Christ - Youth on Mission or Meals on Wheels. Services are open to the public but masks are mandated and social distancing should be followed.

Herbert Echelmeier

January 7, 1929 - August 8, 2020