Curtis Lee Eichhorn

Curtis Lee Eichhorn, 71, resident of Pendleton, Indiana, passed away Wed., December 9, 2020 from complications of COPD and lung cancer.  He was born July 18, 1949 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Dr. Elmer and Vera (Davis) Eichhorn.

Curt's family moved to Middletown, Indiana when he was two years old.  He graduated from Middletown High School, 1967, attended Vincennes University 1967-69, and began employment at Guide Lamp, General Motors, Anderson, briefly working before being called by the U.S. Draft, which prompted him to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving 1969-1973.  Stationed out of Providence, Rhode Island, he served on the U.S.S. Hugh Purvis (WWII Destroyer, DD-709) and, later, the U.S.S. Little Rock (Light Cruiser w/ Guided Missiles, CLG-4), out of Norfolk, VA.  Naval travels provided an opportunity to see the world, including two Mediterranean tours, visits to England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, with his ship, narrowly surviving the tail-end of a hurricane during an Atlantic crossing.  Curt recently discovered the U.S.S. Hugh Purvis Reunion Association and the U.S. Navy Destroyer Veterans, affectionately called Tin Can Sailors.   Upon re-uniting with fellow sailor buddies of long ago, he faithfully attended annual "Hughey P" Reunions, 2013-2018, at various eastern U.S. destinations.

After U.S. Naval service, Curt returned to Middletown, resumed his Guide Lamp employment, retiring in 2001 after 32 years.  Curt and wife, Susie, married in 1976, first lived in Middletown before moving to Pendleton in 1985.  He has been a member of Middletown Masonic Lodge, Chapter 271, since 1974.  During late 1970's-to-mid-1980's, he was active in the Middletown Chapter of Indiana Jaycees, a local community service organization.  After retiring from Guide, he obtained a realtor's license in 2005, was first employed with Century 21, Anderson, later Wood Realty Group, Pendleton, and most recently Re/Max Performance, Fortville.

Childhood memories included accompanying his father on veterinary calls, family pets, summers at Silver Lake, riding dirt bikes & motorcycles with his brothers, and sentimental days of growing up in the small, close-knit community of Middletown.  He attended Middletown United Methodist Church, and played various saxophones and drums while a member of the Middletown High School dance band, marching band and choir.

Curt loved his corvette, playing golf and was a self-taught, avid guitarist.  He purchased his first 12-string Martin in Newport, Rhode Island, 1970, while serving in the Navy, and never parted with it.  His love of guitar accelerated greatly during the last ten years.  He spent hours playing every day, searching-buying-selling guitars, and could typically be found quietly strumming his guitar, providing the oh-so-pleasant background music, during any occasion when family and friends gathered, and almost every evening while his wife, Susie, prepared their evening meal.  He greatly enjoyed his family, was a loving father to three children, and cherished his eight grandchildren who brought a special joy.  He and Susie loved spending time with many dear friends, loved to host and attend family gatherings, and enjoyed many trips with both family & friends to their Florida condo and other U.S. destinations, as well as Europe, Canada and the Caribbean.  He was a beloved member of both the Eichhorn and Painter families, devoted many years to the care and keeping of the Painter family farm, and passionately believed it is one of the finest family homesteads in Henry County. Curt never complained, even while facing health challenges.  His positive attitude and caring nature will be sorely missed.

Curt is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan Jean (Painter) Eichhorn, two sons and a daughter:  Jeffrey B. Eichhorn (Candice) of Middletown, Bradley C. Eichhorn of Richmond, Ky, and Jobie Lynn (Eichhorn) Zeigler (Timothy) of Fishers; eight grandchildren, Savannah, Isabella, Samuel, Logan, Lance, Lillyana, Chloe and Sawyer Eichhorn, all of Middletown; three devoted brothers:  Gregory  Eichhorn (Irene), of League City, Texas, Victor A. Eichhorn (Middletown), and Dr. Daniel R. Eichhorn (Carole) of Middletown, many nieces, nephews, cousins, a maternal aunt, and his beloved Painter family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Vera.

Services will be held on Monday December 14 at 1:00 PM p.m. at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, Middletown, Indiana with brother-in-law, Eric Painter, officiating.  Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery, Middletown, Indiana. The service will be streamed through the funeral home's Facebook page.

Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 PM Sunday, December 13 at the funeral Home.

CDC and state Covid-19 mandates only 50 people may be within the funeral home at any time. Masks, hand sanitation and social distancing will be required!

Online  guestbook is available at www.ballardandsons.com .