Eckman

Vaughn J. “VJ” Eckman, 77, of Waynesburg, died Monday, July 10, 2023, in the Donnell House of Concordia Hospice of Washington.

He was born Aug. 26, 1945, in Homer City, a son of the late Elmer and Helen Skinner Eckman.

VJ was a graduate of Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree.

He graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy on July 29, 1971, and retired on Jan. 10, 1997.

VJ was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 47, the Retired State Police Association and the National Rifle Association.

On Aug. 17, 1972, he married the love of his life, Margaret Pettit, who survives.

He loved being with his grandchildren and watching them play in all their sports. He loved hunting and gardening, and enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Also surviving is a daughter, Renee (Eric) McKay, of Waynesburg; two grandchildren, Kendall “Kendi-girl” McKay and Griffin “Griffy-dude” McKay; two brothers, Bill (Linda) Eckman, of Valencia, and Ken Wakefield, of Valencia; a sister, Barb Edmond, of Humble, Texas; a sister-in-law, Linda Wakefield; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Don Wakefield.

ECKMAN — Friends of Vaughn J. “VJ” Eckman, who died Monday, July 10, 2023, will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at BEHM FUNERAL HOME, 182 W. High St., Waynesburg, where funeral services will be held at noon Monday, with the Rev. Dr. Donald P. Wilson officiating.

Interment will follow in Garards Fort Cemetery, Garards Fort.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation, 3625 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, www.troopershelpingtroopers.org or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.behmfh.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.