P. Rodger Ecker

P. Rodger Ecker, 70, Altoona, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born in Altoona, son of the late Paul L. and Jean E. (Wolfe) Ecker. On October 2, 1976, he married Cheryl A. Walker. In addition to his wife, Cheryl, of 42 years, he is survived by two children: Darla J. Wherry and husband Jeff and Dina M. Spiridigliozzi; son-in-law, Eric M. Burket; four grandchildren: Nicholas A. Donnelly, Kaylee E. (Wherry) Treese and husband Cory, Nathan M. Burket, and Jordyn R. Burket; four great grandchildren: Gweneth D. Donnelly, Margot O. Donnelly, Roman J. Treese and Dahlia J. Treese; and two sisters: Kathy Vandevander and husband Gary and Lisa Warburton. He is also survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Lois Walker, who affectionately called him Hooper. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Paula R. (Ecker) Burket and a sister, Sharyon Wyland. Rodger was a graduate of Altoona High School. He worked at Bomont Mills and was a CO at SCI Houtzdale. He was a member of Christ Community Church, Frankstown. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping along the Juniata River, fishing, horseshoes, bowling, and softball. Later in life, golf became his passion and he always loved to play his harmonica. He also enjoyed writing poems to his family. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. Private family services were held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, HAP Arnold Hall, 500 Municipal Drive, Duncansville, PA 16635; who cared for Rodger for the past five years.