Arthur "Art" Joseph Eckardt, 81, of Lexington Park, MD, died on December 14, 2011 in Callaway, MD surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 31, 1930 he was the son of the late Arthur Charles and Josephine Elizabeth Eckardt.

He was the loving husband of Joan Barbara Eckardt whom he married on October 7, 1950 in St. Malachy's Church, Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. Eckardt is survived by his children; Frederick Arthur Eckardt of Pennsylvania, Margaret Joan Hammett (Anthony) of Colton's Point, MD, Jonathan Peter Eckardt (Cheri) of Redgate, MD, and Mary Susan Sanders (Glenn) of Mechanicsville, MD. He is also survived by a sister Elizabeth Biscardi of San Jose, CA, 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 3 step-great grandchildren.

Arthur graduated from East New York Vocational, in 1948 before enlisting in the United States Navy in August, 1948. He retired from the United States Navy in April, 1968 as a Parachute Rigger Sr. Chief. He earned the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award) and Good Conduct Medal (5th Award) period ending November 24, 1964. He was stationed in Patuxent River, MD during his 20 years of service and moved to Southern Maryland in 1958. Mr. Eckardt enjoyed Blacksmith tools and running marathons.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 19, 2011 in the Mattingley-Gardner Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers being recited at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM in Holy Face Catholic Church, Great Mills, MD with Fr. Joseph Calis officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be; Jim Swift, Tom Brown, Anthony Hammett, Glenn Sanders, Dan Edelbaum, and Jon Eckardt.

Contributions may be made in memory of Arthur "Art" Joseph Eckardt to Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD, and/or the American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt 3, North Building A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.