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David Eckstein, 67, of Mansfield, died Saturday, January 12, 2008. He passed away suddenly doing what he loved and went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ. David was born in Tiro on April 23, 1940. He was a graduate of Tiro High School in the Class of 1958. David received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the General Motors Institute. He started his career as a pattern maker at General Motors and went on to sell plastic injection molding machines for HPM and Van Dorn. Starting with merely one machine at the bottom of a grain elevator in 1979, David grew his business into what later became D&M Plastics. As an accomplished businessman, his early beginnings blossomed into other successful central Ohio companies including Edge Plastics and Shelby Plastics. After a long and successful career, he retired in 2003. David married Marilyn Jean Eckstein in 1959 and was happily married with two children for 44 years when she passed away after a battle with cancer in 2003. In 2005, David married Janet Marie Hanna and they enjoyed their active retirement together until their passing. David had a passion for flying, boating, and traveling around the world. He was a member of First English Lutheran Church of Mansfield where he had chaired the finance committee. He was a past member of the Renaissance Board. He chaired the small business committee for the Mansfield/Richland County Chamber of Commerce. David was instrumental in bringing the health insurance program for small businesses to the chamber. A very dedicated father and grandfather, David never missed a moment to be with his family. He was always there when they needed him. He cared deeply about the needs of others. He frequently volunteered in the Angel Flights to transport people with debilitating illnesses to facilities for medical treatment. The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program lists David as having flown 358 volunteer flights to introduce young people to aviation. David will be lovingly remembered by children, grandchildren, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and friends. He is survived by daughter, Shelley Gaye Fisher; son, Jerry David Eckstein; grandsons, Bryce David Hanna Fisher, Travis Robert Eckstein Fisher; granddaughter, Arianna Christine Fisher; brothers, Steve Eckstein, and George Eckstein; and sister Holly Harris. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Jean Eckstein; son-in-law, Mark Steven Fisher; and parents, Marjorie and Robert (Pfleiderer) Eckstein. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 18, 2008 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Ave. West, Mansfield conducted by Rev. Paul L. Larson and Pastor Andrew W. Jones. Private burial will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to the Marilyn J. and David P. Eckstein Memorial Scholarship fund through the Richland County Foundation. For online guest registry, click on above logo.

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