Obituary of Max H. Eckelman

Max H. Eckelman, 87, husband of JoAnne Thomas Eckelman passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at his home after a period of declining health. Born September 26, 1930, Max was the son of Irma Snyder Eckelman and Harvey Henry Eckelman. He grew up in Seymour, Indiana where he met the love of his life, JoAnne Thomas Eckelman. He graduated from Seymour High School in 1948 and worked at his family's business, Eckelman Shoes. In 1957, he married JoAnne after an 11-year courtship. They had just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 29, 2017. An avid Hoosier fan, Max graduated from Indiana University Business School in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his much loved daughters, Mary Eckelman Settlemyre and her husband, Wes, and Sally Eckelman Green all of Charlotte. Max adored and was so proud of his grandchildren Anne Settlemyre, Abby Settlemyre and Luis Chavez. Max is also survived by his sister, Jane Adams and her husband, Alton of Hilton Head, SC, many beloved nieces and nephews, extended family Tamara Ganchozo and Jayvan Montesdeoca , and his dear friend Bill Halsey and his wife, Marcia. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kaye Eckelman, sister Joan Eckelman Dailey and son-in-law Ron Green. Max spent much of his career in corporate retail beginning in 1960 with Federated Department Stores (Lazarus) in Columbus, Ohio, holding many positions in merchandising management. In 1975, he accepted a position with Belk Store Services in Charlotte, NC as a General Merchandise Manager. In 1986 became the Vice President of Marketing for Sweet Shop Chocolates in Fort Worth, TX. Max and JoAnne returned to the Carolinas in 1992 to semi-retirement in Myrtle Beach, SC. In 1994, Max became the buyer and merchandiser for the Pro Shop at Pine Lakes Country Club, the job he loved the most. It combined his love for golf with his talent for merchandising and private labeling. In 2005, Max and JoAnne found their way back to Charlotte to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren, a move that was a blessing to all of them. The family would like to thank The Laurels in Pineville for the love and care that Max received by the nurses, assistants and staff. Also, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, especially Courtney, Tonetta, Allison, Jill and Stuart. Your compassion and guidance made a tough journey more peaceful for Max and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The South Meck High School Foundation 8900 Park Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 ( www.southmeckfoundation.org) or Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region 1420 East Seventh Street Charlotte, NC 28204 A private service will be held on Thursday, January 25, 2018. A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2:00 - 5:00 at the home of Sally Green, 4940 Spalding Place, Charlotte, NC 28226 for anyone wishing to share their condolences with Max's family. It was Max's wish that we gather, enjoy each other and drink a toast to him! Join us to celebrate our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.