Myron Eckhart

ECKHARDT , Myron "Max" Retired Captain Max Eckhart , 84, died on January 30 at home in Alexandria, VA. Born March 29, 1923 in South Bend, Indiana to Myron L. and Neva (Whitmer) Eckhart, he attributed his lifetime success to the excellence of his teachers at Riley High School in South Bend.

He earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated in the Class of 1946. He served in WWII, and thereafter, for nearly 30 years as an engineering officer. He chaired the Electrical Sciences Department at the U.S. Naval Academy, and became Head of New Ship Concept Design of the U.S. Navy. After retirement, he served as Chief Scientist of the Marine Systems Division of Rockwell International. Captain Eckhart's ship design achievements included Nimitz aircrafts carriers, Trident strategic submarines and Los Angeles Class submarines, and he contributed to the design of Aegis Class cruisers and frigates. Several of his earlier development tasks included radar to shipboard displays, radar based landing controls of aircraft, in-helmet radio communications link, and guidance systems for strategic submarine-based missiles.

He was a prolific writer, contributing many articles to professional journals, and at the time of his death was writing about his concerns about the decline of our country's naval force and its role in the nation's welfare as described in the U.S. Constitution.

Max Eckhart is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Daniels Eckhart, originally of Baltimore; by three children, Joan Terri Johns (Dick) of Dover, Pennsylvania; Michael T. (Susan) of Potomac, Maryland; and Jeri Eckhart Queenan (Charles J.) of Weston, Massachussets; and seven beloved grandchildren: Kevin (Steph), Kassie, Chrissie, Jenna, C.J., Max and Mike.

He was an avid fisherman, and leaves his heritage and rods and reels to his children and grandchildren in hopes that they will share his enjoyment of the outdoors.

A Memorial Service will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy, St. Andrews Chapel, on February 15, 2008 at 11AM. All friends and family are welcome. It is required that attendees contact a family member or the Academy in advance in order to be in the guest list to gain security clearance to the Academy grounds. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or a charity of choice.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Feb. 3, 2008

06/24/2023 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/baltimoresun/name/myron-eckhardt-obituary?id=25345410