Posted by Heather Dunn on January 25, 2010:

My husband Peter and I have been friends with Arlen since childhood. We are two of so many people who were touched by Arlen's life, and devastated by his passing. He affected so many with his love and wit and humor. I've never known anyone to keep in touch with more friends over the years than Arlen did. He valued friendship. My fondest memories of Arlen are of him as a boy, on summer days in the old neighborhood, playing whiffle ball, kick-the-can, and causing mischief. I will remember the enormous pride Peter and I felt, witnessing his graduation from West Point. Arlen was brilliant. He was the only person who had the interest and patience to analyze and dissect with me every U2 song ever written. I'm so glad I saved those emails. And I will especially remember a sunny autumn day four years ago on Cape Cod, Arlen walking with his wife under a canopy of yellow leaves, his laughing son riding on his shoulders. The good times were many. My heart goes out in sympathy to all of you who are also feeling the pain of this loss. I would like to share Arlen's obituary for those who have not yet seen it. This longer version includes more details about his military service. Rest In Peace, Arlen. ~ Heather Dunn J. ARLEN ECKER 1963 -- 2010 James Arlen Ecker was born on August 28, 1963 in Springfield, MA, to parents John Leonard Ecker and Irene Drouse Ecker. He was raised in Wilbraham, MA. Arlen was a 1989 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Immediately following his graduation from the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne and Ranger Schools in 1989-90, he went on to serve with distinction as a Rifle Platoon Leader in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he commanded a Bradley Fighting Vehicle equipped Infantry platoon of 36 Soldiers and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge. After returning from the Gulf, Arlen remained in service with the 1st Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, TX until 1992. In 2000, Arlen earned his MBA from the University of Texas. He most recently worked as president at Texas Spectrum Electronics, Inc., and as Sales Director, Southwest U.S. at WEMS Electronics, Inc. Arlen married Paula Brown in 2001 and together they have two wonderful sons. He was a loving husband, father, son and brother. His love for children was paramount in his life as he spent countless hours nurturing, teaching and enjoying their lives together. Arlen also had a passion for music and was an accomplished, self-taught musician. He loved playing ice hockey. Arlen's life ended much too soon at age 46 on Jan. 20, 2010. He is survived by his devoted wife Paula Ecker, sons Ryan James Ecker and Jack Arlen Ecker, siblings Leonard Ecker, Mark Ecker and wife Debbie, and Jennie Ecker, his mother-in-law Barbara Brown, brothers-in-law Steve Brown, Jeff Brown and wife Pam, Bob Brown and wife Heather and numerous nieces and nephews. Arlen was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law Paul Brown. A funeral service in which Arlen's life will be honored will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thurs., Jan. 28, 2010 at Plano Bible Chapel, 1900 Shiloh Road, Plano, TX 75074. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

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