A memorial service will be held at a later date for Deacon Alan E. Ecker, who died March 22. Private services were held at Kutis South County funeral chapel. He served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Oakville until his retirement in 2015.

Deacon Ecker was a retired principal from the Mehlville School District, having previously worked for St. Louis Public Schools.

Deacon Ecker was ordained in 1989 at the St. Louis Cathedral by Archbishop John L. May. He was assigned to assist the pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, where he served by presiding at baptisms, funeral services and weddings. Deacon Ecker led RCIA classes, helped with marriage preparation, visited nursing homes and made Communion calls to the homebound. He served as spiritual director of the St. Vincent de Paul Society conference at the parish.

Deacon Ecker married Etherine North in 1964. Survivors include his wife, Etherine Ecker; three children, Jeffrey, Amy and Michael; four grandchildren; a brother, William, and sister, Delores.