Charles Robert Echt

Dr. Charles Robert Echt (81),
beloved husband, cherished father, loving grandfather, devoted brother, kindhearted friend and compassionate physician died, after a courageous and lengthy struggle with melanoma, on September 10, 2014. "Chuck", as he was known to his bride Myra (Seigel) of 57 years, was a practicing physician (obstetrics and gynecology) until the final months before his passing. Charlie was deeply loved by all for his warmth, kindness, generosity, keen intellect, sharp wit and devoted friendship.

Beginning with his service in the United States Air Force during the late 1950's (while stationed in Morocco with his newlywed wife), he became an avid traveler, visiting countless countries on six continents. Amongst the greatest of his personal accomplishments was a joy-filled, 57-year marriage to the love of his life, the raising of 3 children (for whom he beamed with pride), and the time spent with his six treasured grandchildren. His only regret was in leaving life too soon.

Charlie formed countless friendships, remaining close with many friends for decades, especially those from his earliest years at Hammond High (Class of 1950), Zeta Beta Tau fraternity at Indiana University (class of 1954), Indiana University School of Medicine (class of 1957), Broadmoor Country Club, Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and several hospitals including The Indiana University Medical Center, Winoma, Humana, Methodist and St. Vincent's Woman's hospitals.

Charlie was truly unique, deeply loved, and now greatly missed. With his passing we can all rejoice in the countless lives he has positively impacted, the mothers and fathers that he cared for during the most precious of moments of parenthood, and the thousands of daughters and sons he helped bring into this world.

In addition to his friends, family, and colleagues, Charlie loved attending athletic events, especially Indiana University sports. In fact, throughout the years, he treasured the time spent sharing season tickets at IU (both basketball and football), the Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Chicago White Sox, horse racing and countless other venues.

Charles was a devoted son to his late parents, Albert and Ann (Finklestein) Echt and an extraordinarily dedicated son-in-law to Herman and Eva Seigel. Additionally he was a loving older brother to his sister, Lynn Rae (Echt) Goldstein, and an exceptionally close-knit brother-in-law to Michael and Molly Seigel. After Charlie and Myra married in 1959, they worked as a team, raising their three children, Dr. Gregory A. Echt (Susan) of Dallas, TX, Dr. Audrey Echt Hammer (Dr. Bradley) of Raleigh, NC, and Jeffrey D. Echt (Julie) of Highland Park, IL. Even in his final days, Charlie laughed with, and held close to himself, his six grandchildren Daniel, Alexander, Henry, Abraham, and Elizabeth Echt and Eva Hammer.

He was both the bedrock of our family and the glue that will continue to bind us for years to come.
Good night Dad, Papa Indy, Charles, Chuck, Charlie, we will love you forever.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Congregation Beth El Zedeck (www.bez613.org), Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K Street, NW Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005, www.melanoma.org, or Season Hospice Foundation, www.seasonsfoundation.org/donate.

Services will be held at Congregation Beth El Zedeck, 600 W. 70th Street, Indianapolis on Friday, September 12th at 12.00 (noon).

The family will be sitting shiva at the Echt home, 9065 Pickwick Drive, following the funeral until 5 PM and then attending services at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. Saturday, the family will be sitting after 6:30 PM, with a minyon being held at 7 PM. Sunday, the family will be sitting after 1 PM, with a minyon at 5 PM. Monday, the family will be sitting after 1 PM.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. To share a memory or send a message of condolence, visit the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.