Obituary of Adelbert Eacker, Jr.

Adelbert (Junie) Eacker Jr. of Nelliston, NY died on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam, NY, with family by his side. He was born March 6, 1933 to Adelbert Eacker Sr. and Ella Beebe in Cooperstown, NY.

Junie grew up living in various towns around the Mohawk Valley, the eighth of nine Eacker siblings. He attended Fort Plain Central School, graduating in 1951, and was a lifelong Hilltoppers fan and supporter. Following his high school graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force, serving from 1951-1955, with a tour in Japan. He returned to Fort Plain following his honorable discharge, working at the Oneida Market where he met the woman who would become his wife of 62 years, Eileen Middleton, marrying on September 28, 1957. Junie then began working for the United States Postal Service, first as a clerk/carrier, and rising to Postmaster of the Fort Plain Post Office, where he served until his retirement in 1989. Following his retirement, he sold cars for the former Hawkins Garage in Nelliston, NY for many years.

Junie was very civic minded, always looking for ways to give back to the community. He was a longtime member of the Fort Plain Reformed Church where he served on the consistory as a Deacon and Elder, Treasurer of the church, provided outreach through Manna House meals, and helped to maintain the buildings as chief painter through renovations and following recent flooding. Junie also served for 15 years as a trustee of the Fort Plain Central School Board of Education, as well as on the Nelliston Village Board. He was also a member of the Canajoharie/ Fort Plain Elks .

Junie loved sports and was an avid bowler for many years. He was also instrumental in establishing the AYSO program in Fort Plain, helping to introduce hundreds of children to the joys of soccer. He never missed a sporting or school event involving his grandsons.

Junie was predeceased by his parents, his siblings: Orville, Dorr, (Elwyn) Jake, (Walter) George, (Charles) Clifford, Richard, Roseann, and Carol. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eileen; his children: Jeanne Eacker of Albany, Edythe (Paul) Schultz of Schoharie, and Steven Eacker of Nelliston; grandsons: Andrew, Tyler, and Cameron Schultz, many nieces and nephews. Family was always important to Junie and he worked to keep in contact with all family members near and far. A special thank you to the staff at NYOH: Amsterdam, and Dr. Mook, Dr. Goslin and Dr. Lal, for the care they provided over many years fighting cancer.

A period of visitation will be held from 10:00 - 12:00 on Saturday, December 14 at the Fort Plain Reformed Church, 165 Canal St., Fort Plain, NY, with the funeral service to follow at 12:00. All are invited to stay for a luncheon at the church following the service.

Funeral arrangements are provided by Gray-Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, 34 Center St., Fort Plain, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.