Remembering L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr.
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, L. B. Eckelkamp, Jr. on July 11, 2026, at age 82 after a brief illness.
Louis B. “L. B.” Eckelkamp, Jr. was a distinguished leader, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community advocate whose life was defined by service, integrity, and a deep commitment to faith and family.
Born on October 30, 1943, in Washington, Missouri, to Louis and Martha Eckelkamp, L. B. was the oldest of four children, with one brother, William Eckelkamp (who passed away in 2017), and two sisters, Judith Eckelkamp Tobben and Susan Eckelkamp. He grew up on a farm outside Washington, where he learned the strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life. His family was also deeply involved in the restaurant business, owning the well-known Diamonds Restaurant along old Highway 66. At age 12, L. B. began working at the Diamonds, a job that kept him busy and out of trouble thanks to the watchful eyes of family and staff. He graduated from St. Francis Borgia High School, where he was a member of its first football team, and later earned a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and a J.D. from the University of Missouri.
In 1965, he married Bonnie Jean Stratman, and together they built a legacy of service, leadership, and philanthropy. They have two children: one son, Louis B. “Buzz” Eckelkamp, III, married to Tina (Haltenhof), and one daughter, Jeanna Sinnott married to Michael, seven grandchildren: Michael Sinnott, Jr., married to Taylor (Schweitzer), Matthew Sinnott, Elizabeth Sinnott, Sarah Eckelkamp, Bonnie Eckelkamp, Louis B. “Louie” Eckelkamp, IV, engaged to Halle Fischer, and Anna Eckelkamp, all of whom have been actively involved in Scouting, a lifelong passion for both L. B. and Bonnie, and one great-grandchild, Alexander Sinnott.
Professionally, L. B. began his service to the Bank of Washington as a Board Member in 1971, and was elected Chairman and CEO in 1983. He held leadership roles in multiple financial institutions and family-owned businesses, including Eckelkamp Enterprises, Diamond Enterprises, LLC, the Holiday Inn at Six Flags, Washington Lumber and Supply, Inc., and Diamond Bancorp, Inc., Cardinal Bancorp, and Cardinal Bancorp II, which own the Bank of Washington, CNB St. Louis Bank, and United Bank of Union. He is also a founding partner of the law firm Eckelkamp Kuenzel, LLP.
His community involvement extended to local, regional, and national levels, including extensive service to the Boy Scouts of America. L. B. was a National Board Member and Past Chair of the Community Alliances Committee. Within the Greater St. Louis Area Council, he served as an Executive Board Member, Executive Committee Member, Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee, and Former President and Chairman of the Board. He received all of Scouting’s top volunteer honors: the Silver Beaver (council level), Silver Antelope (regional level), and Silver Buffalo (national level).
L. B. also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to higher education through leadership and philanthropy. He served as a Trustee for Lindenwood University and Quincy University and was a former member of the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. At St. Louis University, his contributions were extensive, including roles as Trustee, member of the Investment Committee and Audit and Legal Committee, and past Chair of the Human Resources Committee. These roles reflected his dedication to advancing educational opportunities and strengthening institutions that shape future leaders.
Locally, L. B. played an instrumental role in strengthening the Washington, Missouri, community through decades of dedicated service. He co-chaired major initiatives for St. Francis Borgia High School, including the Campaign for a new high school and the “Secure the Future” Endowment Campaign, while also serving on the Endowment Committee. At Mercy Hospital, he and Bonnie led the “Always Ready” campaign to fund a new emergency room. His civic contributions include serving as City Attorney for Washington and as a member of the Washington Highway and Transportation Committee. L. B. also served as chair of the Shaw Nature Reserve for the Missouri Botanical Garden and served as Past President of the 20th Judicial Circuit Bar Association. A strong advocate for youth and wellness, he was an organizing board member of the Four Rivers Area YMCA, co-chaired its Special Gifts Initiative, and served on the Executive Board. Additionally, he was a founding charter member of the Washington Rotary Club, a member of the Washington Elks Club, and a Fourth-Degree Knight of Columbus.
Faith was always a cornerstone of L. B.’s life, reflected in his deep involvement with his parish and broader church leadership. He was a devoted member of St. Francis Borgia Parish in Washington, Missouri, where he served on the Parish Council and co-chaired major initiatives with Bonnie, including the “Faith of Our Founders” Capital Campaign and the “Retiring the Debt” Campaign. His influence extended beyond the local parish to the St. Louis Archdiocese, where he was a Past Member of the Finance Council, Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the St. Louis Archdiocesan Fund, and a Past Board Member of the Annual Catholic Appeal. Nationally, L. B. contributed to the Papal Foundation as a Former Trustee, Member and Past Chairman of the Investment Committee, and Steward of St. Peter. His dedication to faith is further recognized through his roles as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, Knight of Malta, and his leadership in Legatus, where he served as Past President and Founding Board Member. Earlier this year, the St. Louis Archdiocese presented L. B. and Bonnie with the prestigious 2026 Sister Mary Ann Eckhoff Leadership Award for their support of Catholic education.
L. B.’s lifelong commitment to service and leadership was recognized through numerous prestigious honors. He received the Outstanding Missourian Award from the Missouri House of Representatives and was named Variety Children’s Charity of St. Louis “Man of the Year.” His dedication to faith and philanthropy earned him the distinction of Knight Grand Cross and being honored as a Squire in the Academy of Missouri Squires, which celebrates Missourians for accomplishments at every level. Together with Bonnie, L. B. received the Spirit of Mercy Award from Mercy Hospital, the Silver Palm from the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre, the Franklin County Community Involvement Association Award, the Washingtonian Award, and the National Philanthropic Organization Award for Outstanding Fundraising Volunteers, a testament to their shared commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.
L. B. and Bonnie’s guiding philosophy has always been: “Know yourself, be yourself and give yourself. If you truly care about people, the rest will fall into place.”
L. B.’s life exemplified a commitment to community, faith, and family, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership and generosity.
L. B. is survived by his wife, Bonnie Eckelkamp (nee' Stratman) of Washington; one son, Louis B. "Buzz" Eckelkamp and wife Tina of Washington; one daughter, Jeanna Sinnott and husband Mike of Washington; seven grandchildren: Michael (Taylor) Sinnott, Sarah Eckelkamp, Bonnie Eckelkamp, Louis Eckelkamp IV, Matthew Sinnott, Anna Eckelkamp, and Elizabeth Sinnott; one great-grandson, Alexander Sinnott; two sisters, Judy Tobben (Pete) of Washington and Susie Eckelkamp of St. Albans; sister-in-law, Marilyn Eckelkamp of Washington; brother-in-law, Dick Stratman (Karen) of Washington; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William W. Eckelkamp.