Doyle Eckhardt, 91, of Brethren, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at West Shore Medical Center in Manistee. He was born June 22, 1925 in Central Lake, the son of Lloyd and Irene (Carrier) Eckhardt.

Doyle was a veteran of World War II, having served his country as an Aviation Machinist's Mate in the U.S. Navy.

Doyle earned a bachelor's and master's degree from Central Michigan University.

In 1950 he began an incredible journey in a little town called Brethren. His career at Brethren would include teaching, principal, athletic director and coaching basketball, baseball and track, an illustrious career that would span for 30 years. His dedication and commitment to the school, students and community would earn him the respect and admiration from his peers throughout the region and the state. His proudest moments were when a student, either in the classroom or at an extracurricular event, succeeded in accomplishing their dreams.

He felt blessed working with student athletes throughout his tenure as a coach. He truly felt that athletics and extracurricular activities were an extension of the classroom and vital for a strong and meaningful educational experience. The accomplishments of his teams included five state championships and a runner up in track, a semifinal run in basketball and numerous district and regional titles in all sports. He proved to be an extremely gifted teacher and coach. Doyle was a proud member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association; as an official he officiated numerous sports for over five decades.

Following his retirement in 1980 Doyle remained a steadfast champion of the Kaleva Norman Dickson school system. He volunteered for the next 30 years as a tutor and mentor to hundreds of students. He was a charter member of the Brethren Boosters and supported the construction of new athletic facilities. Generations of students continue to enjoy the fruits of Doyle's vision and labors.

In his later years Doyle traded championship trophies for top-tier community awards. In 1987 he was named a "Friend of Education" by the Kaleva Norman Dickson Teachers Association. He was named Brethren Booster Citizen of the Year in 1995. He was named an honorary member of the Future Homemakers of America and received their Distinguished Service Award in 1989. An avid bowler, he was inducted into the Manistee Men's Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1995. In 2001 he was named Manistee County Citizen of the Year.

A good-natured and humble man who wanted nothing more than to see his community flourish and who took joy in watching his students and players succeed, Doyle was always quick to thank his family and recall all the good memories that came with being a faithful steward to his community.

Doyle was a member of the Onekama Lodge #497 F&AM, a member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner. He was a member of the Knowles House and Central Lake Area Historical Society.

"Thank you, Grandpa Doyle, for being someone I could look up to ... a husband, a father, a grandfather, an educator, a coach, a friend, a mentor, a veteran, a Mason, a hunter, an official, a savvy card player, and a poet can only begin to describe the man you were and the life you lived! I am proud to have had you in my life, and I'm sure Grandma Marvel has missed you dearly, and you're finally home! You will be missed!"

Doyle is survived by four children, Bill (Debbie) Eckhardt, of Bear Lake, Phyllis (Butch) Kittleson, of Frankfort, Mark (Cindy) Eckhardt, of Central Lake, and Marie (Dan) Clouse, of Manistee; his grandchildren, Chad (Lisa) Eckhardt, Sheila (John) Spencley, Jeff (Amber) Clouse, Mandy (Dave) Magno, J.D. (Missy) Kittleson, Melanie (Bill Wiltse) Eckhardt, McLain (Nicole Hutchins ) Eckhardt, Kirk Eckhardt, Kayla (Rob Bachi) Eckhardt, Heather (Chris) VanderHaag and Adam (Sheryl) McVicker; 26 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his brother, Burt (Martha) Eckhardt, of Cadillac; and numerous nieces and nephews.

On Jan. 11, 1947, in Central Lake, Doyle married Marvel Janette Knowles, who preceded him in death on Sept. 8, 2014. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Toni Eckhardt; and two brothers, Kenneth and Robert Eckhardt.

Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2016, at the Brethren High School auditorium in Brethren, with Pastor Joe Wave and Mr. David Hoeh officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, at the Brethren High School auditorium, with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Onekama Masonic Lodge #497, the Knowles House through the Central Lake Historical Society or to the Brethren Heritage Museum.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements; www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.