JOSEPH JOHN ECKER, JR., 86, of 919 West Irvin Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, died on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 in Frederick, Maryland. Born February 23, 1922 in Cascade, Maryland, he was the son of the late Joseph John Ecker, Sr. and Elizabeth Rindo Ecker. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Aleda May Shepley. He was a graduate of Hagerstown High School. He was previously employed at Ft. Ritchie. He served in the U. S. Army in the European Theater of Operations. He was a member of the Army Reserves and the Maryland National Guard He was a member of the Williamsport Lions Club, was secretary for the Washington County Council of Churches, and was a Notary. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Stains; three sons, Jerold Ecker and Jeffrey Ecker, both of Hagerstown, and John A. Ecker of Baltimore, Maryland; one step-daughter, Pat Hively of Falling Waters, West Virginia; six grandchildren, and one step-grandson. He was preceded in death by one son, Jerome Ecker. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p. m. Saturday at the Minnich Funeral Home, 415 East Wilson Boulevard. Rev. Collin Poston will officiate.