John Robert Eckert passed away April 4, 2012, surrounded by family. He was born November 4, 1933 in Manchester, Connecticut to Catherine and Rudolph Eckert. John married Zena Mary Podhorny on November 23, 1957 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. After his discharge, he was employed by Sperry Univac as an engineer for 29 years, retiring in 1989.John is survived by his wife, Zena Eckert of Dallas, Texas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Cody Bateman of Coppell, Texas and Lisa and Brad Tucker of Richardson, Texas; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bob and Linda Eckert of Knightdale, North Carolina and Steven and Julianne Eckert of Austin, Texas; sisters Patricia Kruger of Windsor Locks, Connecticut and Joan Young of Westfield, Massachusetts, twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Burial with honors will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on April 13, 2012 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer