William Eckelberry Jr., 82, Hamilton Mo. passed away on April 18 2010 at the Hillcrest Manor Nursing Home Hamilton. Bill was born on January 19 1928 in Genoa Nebraska to William L. and Opal Cousins Eckelberry Sr. He had graduated high school from Flandreau South Dakota and had earned a B.S. Degree in math and science education from CMSU-Warrensburg. Bill's first job was with the U.S. Geological Survey.  He then taught school for over twenty years in Osborn Hamilton and Kidder Mo. where he had also served as principal.  He raised polled Herford cattle and sold Vigortone Feed for 35 years.  Bill also served our country in the Army during World War II from 1946-1948 as well as the Korean War.Bill was a member of:  the Hamilton United Methodist Church where he had also been a Sunday school teacher; a life-time member of the Hamilton American Legion Post #285; the Herford Association since 1957; and a past board member of the Kidder Water District and the Hamilton Township.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Patricia Sanderson.On April 27 1952 he married Velora Rose Hofstetter in Fortuna Missouri.  She survives of the home.Other survivors:  Son Kenny Hamilton; Daughter Carol (Bryon) Deen Overland Park Ks; Brother Robert L. (Patty) Centennial CO; Son-in-law George R. Sanderson Hamilton; two grandchildren Chris Blair Hamilton; and Erica Rose Deen Overland Park; and nieces and nephews.Funeral Service:  1 p.m. Thursday April 22 at the Hamilton United Methodist Church. Visitation:  6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday April 21 at Bram Funeral Home Hamilton. Interment:  Highland Cemetery Hamilton. Memorials:  The Hamilton United Methodist Church. Friends may call after 10 a.m. on Wednesday.