Short Gap, WV - Donald Melvin "Sut" Eckard, 85, of Short Gap, W.Va passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and grandson on July 29, 2026, at UPMC Western Maryland. to the late George and Vera (Breedlove) Eckard. He then went on to serve his country with the US Air Force where he served as an electronics technician. He was a VFW Gold Legacy Life member of the VFW Post 6452 in Ridgeley W.Va. and once served as VFW Post Quartermaster during his membership. Surviving are his children, Paige Andrea (Eckard) Mitchell and husband Shane, and Christopher Blake Eckard; grandchildren, Jeremiah Rogers, Joshua Mitchell (Kaylie), Rebekah Mitchell, and Sarah Mitchell (Zoe); a brother, Ronald Eckard and his wife Norma; a sister, Carol Garlitz; his extended family, including numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.