Kermit A. Eckel, 75, of Myerstown, passed away Friday, July 8, 2022, at Wyomissing Health & Rehabilitation Center in Reading. He was the loving husband of Margaret “Peggy” (Donley) Eckel, to whom he was married for 48 years.

Born in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late Guy A. and Viola (Henry) Eckel.

Kermit worked as an electrician in the US Navy on the USS Hornet that recovered the space capsule from Apollo 11 when it landed in the ocean following its space exploration. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed reading and learning about WWII history and camping with his family at Knoebel’s.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children Ronald C. Eckel and his wife Pamela, Gregory E. Eckel and his wife Vicki, Shelley A., wife of Bruce James, Amy E., wife of Patrick Schott and Jason W. Eckel; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; one brother Kenneth G. Eckel and his wife Linda.

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of his family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, in his memory.