MARTIN GEORGE ECKERT, 93, of Fort Morgan, died Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Valley View Villa in Fort Morgan. He was born December 1, 1914 in Eckert, CO to A.M. & Theresa Eckert. The family moved from the Western Slope to Fort Morgan in 1924. Martin attended and graduated from Trinity Lutheran School in 1928, which ended his formal education, as the demands of farming took all of his time. He married Viola L. Voss on December 25, 1935. In the late 1930's he began to learn the meat cutting trade and this developed into his very successful business in the cattle industry. In 1949, Martin began feeding and fattening cattle. He continued in the cattle business until his retirement in the early 1970's. Mr. Eckert's passion in life was cattle, followed closely by his love of cats and new cars. Survivors include his son, Richard Eckert of Anchorage, AK; his daughter, Patricia Ritschel of Fort Morgan, formerly of Victorville, CA; 4 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Mr. Eckert was preceded in death by his wife, Viola, his parents; his sister, Katherine Rainey; his brother, Walter Eckert; and one granddaughter. Funeral services will be Friday, May 16, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Fort Morgan. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 AM. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens in Fort Morgan. Memorial donations may made to the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. The Heer Mortuary in Fort Morgan is in charge of arrangements.