William Franklin "Willie" Eickhorst was born on July 28, 1933 in St. James, Missouri and passed away May 23, 2026 at the age of 92 years.
He grew up and attended school in St. James, Missouri. He worked for three decades at the St. James Utility Company, owned by Jack Bartruff. After the company's sale to the city, he transitioned to work for the local phone company.
He had a talent for fixing and building almost anything – building motors, repairing cars or crafting model airplanes. He enjoyed flying model airplanes—often at Vichy Airport and Maramec Spring–his favorite plane was a Cessna 150 that he kept at Cuba Airport.
He served as a member of the Finance Board at the First Assembly of God in St. James, attending services regularly.
He also served as a City Alderman and was a past member of the St. James Masonic Lodge 270 A.F. & A.M.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius F. and Zelma B. Conaway Eickhorst; wife of 74 years, Shirley Eickhorst; sons, Larry and Bill Eickhorst; granddaughter, Elizabeth Anne Eickhorst; brother, Jim Eickhorst; and sister, Wilda Spencer.
He is survived by his sons, Gary Eickhorst (Irina Borisova) of Lake Lotawana, Missouri and Jeff Eickhorst of Steelville, Missouri; two daughters-in-law, Carolyn Eickhorst of Holts Summit, Missouri and Patricia Eickhorst of Cuba, Missouri; grandchildren, Jonathan (Stacey) Eickhorst of New Bloomfield, Missouri, Stephen Eickhorst of Holts Summit, Missouri, Jessica (Mark) Pinnell of Cuba, Missouri, Abby (Reilly) Pollard of Prairie Village, Kansas and Ethan (Alisha) Eickhorst of Kansas City, Missouri; great grandchildren, Christian (Sydni) Eickhorst, Jacob (Rachel) Eickhorst, Chelsea Pinnell, Miranda Pinnell and Finneas Pollard; four great great grandchildren, William, Samson, Oaklyn and Jensen Eickhorst; sister-in-law, Chalice Pruett of Holts Summit, Missouri; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles (Emmadeen) Eickhorst, Floyd (Earlene) Eickhorst, Danny (Ruby) Eickhorst and Joe (Brenda) Eickhorst; sister, Leoma Smith and husband Dennis; caregivers, Jessica, Brittney, Kasondra, Michelle and Lucy; puppy, Sissy; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 12:30-2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home of St. James, Missouri.
Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home of St. James, Missouri with Pastor Mick Trasher officiating.
Burial at the Oak Forest Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
