Reverend William F. "Bill" Eickhorst Jr., 62, of Holts Summit, Mo., shed his earthly body on Wednesday, December 30, 2015. Bill was born on April 8, 1953, in Rolla, Mo., a son of William F. Eickhorst Sr. and Shirley (Sorrell) Eickhorst, who survive in St. James, Mo. He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Darlene Hance, on December 18, 1971, in St. James, Mo. Bill grew up in St. James, Mo. and was a 1971 graduate of John F. Hodge High School. In high school he played football and ran track. Bill was widely known in the community. In his earlier years, he was a volunteer fireman and police officer in Holts Summit and Cedar City. He later pastored at the Assembly of God Church in Linn. He was a pressman for the News Tribune for several years until he retired to pastor full time at the Assembly of God Church in Holts Summit. He also made many friends and acquaintances working at MFA until he retired in 2012 due to health reasons. Bill's faith in God shone in all aspects of his life. He was not just a member of Calvary Assembly of God in Jefferson City, but a member of the family. He was involved in various ministries including Royal Rangers, adult Sunday school teacher, and involved with the bus and prison ministry. His heart's desire was to share Jesus. He lit up a room with his kindness and compassion. He didn't know a stranger and all that he met were better off for knowing him. Bill wore many hats, including Santa's hat. It brought him great joy to bring joy to others. He was a talented craftsman and shared his talents with many. He loved spending time with his family and his grandsons were no exception. Survivors include: his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Eickhorst; two sons, Stephen Eickhorst of Holts Summit, Mo. and Jonathan Eickhorst (wife Stacey) of New Bloomfield, Mo.; two grandsons, Christian and Jacob Eickhorst of New Bloomfield, Mo.; his parents, Willie and Shirley Eickhorst of St. James, Mo.; three brothers, Gary Eickhorst (wife Bess) of Mission Hills, Kan., Larry Eickhorst (wife Patricia) of Cuba, Mo. and Jeffery Eickhorst of St. James, Mo.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Affolter (husband John) of Doolittle, Mo.; two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Hance (wife Donna) of Vida, Mo. and Dennis Hance (wife Kathy) of St. Mary's, Mo.; and many other family members and friends. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Wilson and Ethelene Hance; one brother-in-law, Carl Watson; and two sisters-in-law, Aileen Stogsdill and Alice Dean. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday, January 4, 2016. Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 noon, Monday, January 4, 2016, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Jeff Higbie officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Summit Memorial Gardens in Holts Summit, Mo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Calvary Assembly of God, 704 Rock Hill Road, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com