Richard “Ike” Eichenberger died from complications of COVID-19 on December 23, 2020 at the age of 76.

Ike had a lifelong career in music, and served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War as Acting Commander of the American Division Band in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. He was a music educator for over forty years in Orchard Farm, St. Charles, and Ferguson-Florissant school districts and at Fontbonne College, Lindenwood University and Meramec Community College. Ike was a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, performer, mentor and teacher throughout his life. He and his first wife Mary were an amazing musical team. They had no children and welcomed their students into their hearts and home. Mary passed away, and in 2017 Ike remarried and was immediately loved by his wife’s adult children and grandchildren.

Ike is missed by his widow, step children, thousands of former students, and the countless people whose lives he touched.

Sources:

Richard Ike Eichenberger obituary at Hutchens Funeral Homes