Alfred J. (Al) Eichman, 92, Wamego, passed away on October 25, 2023.
Al was born on September 14, 1931, in Wamego, KS, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Schluterman) Eichman. He graduated from Wamego High School in 1949.
He served in the US Navy Seabees during the Korean War conflict from 1951 to 1955, serving in North Africa, Newfoundland, and Cuba.
After his military service, Al joined his father, Henry, and brother, Ike, in the Wamego Sand Co. business, founded by his father in 1927. After growing the business over a period of decades, it is now known as Midwest Concrete Materials (MCM) and continues today as a 4th generation family-owned business.
Al was a Life Scout, a member of Knights of Columbus 1370, and the American Legion Post No. 0172. He served as a director for Kaw Valley State Bank (42 years) and Wamego Telecommunications Co. (40 years), including a capacity as a past Chairman and Vice President. Al was also a director for the KS Chamber of Commerce and KS Ready Mix Concrete Association. He served for several years on the Wamego Volunteer Fire Department and was a life-long member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego.
Al married Margaret (Peggy) Torrey on November 26, 1955, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego, KS. They were married for 50 years, and she preceded him in death in 2006. Survivors include daughter, Melissa, his partner, Kate Coddington, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his brother, Wilfred (Ike) Eichman, sister Marie (Eichman) Broxterman, and sister, Stella (Eichman) Cazier.
Al was generous, kind, and funny - always willing to share a good joke or pull an ornery prank. He loved spending time with his family, including their two dogs, Lassie, and Melon, and numerous granddogs. He enjoyed fishing outings with close friends as well as having a few cold ones on the golf course. He treated his family to many wonderful travel adventures, but the highlight for everyone was a surprise trip to Paris for his wife, Peggy, in 1998. His love and devotion to his family will remain in our hearts forever.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wamego. A Rosary will be held just before the funeral, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held in the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Wamego Hospital Foundation or Good Shepherd Homecare and Hospice in Manhattan, KS, contributions can be sent in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd, PO Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.