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Sun State Quartet was established a little over six years ago upon a vision of ministry held by Ira Smith. Having a rich history in "Quartet Gospel", the desire to continue that type of ministry led Ira to seek God for direction. God answered that prayer and the ministry was born. Therefore the task of finding members, equipment and transportation was immediately started. Although there have been several different members since then, Ira kept searching for vocalists to continue on. Ira, with deep regret and sorrow, had to retire recently because of his health. We pray that God will send us vocalists with the same deep desire that Ira displayed then and still shows today. We will miss Ira's passion, laughter, dedication and presence. Thank you Ira.....

The group currently consists of:

Lenny Eckert: Lenny joined the group in October 2004 and is the baritone vocalist of Sun State Quartet. He is the new co-owner and co-manager of the ministry. He was born and raised in Tampa, Florida and currently resides in Masaryktown, Florida. He is the youngest son of an evangelist and has been singing in gospel music since the age of three. He, as was his father, is a licensed minister/evangelist. Past ventures include The Eckert Family, The Redemption Singers, The Waymaker’s Quartet and The Atkinson Family (later named The Atkinson’s Trio). He is attending, and playing the piano, for New Life Ministries in Hudson, Florida, is married to Sandy and has no children.

Richard Alderman: Richard joined the group in April 2006 and is the tenor vocalist of Sun State Quartet. He is the new co-owner and co-manager of the ministry as well. He was born in Plant City, Florida and currently resides in Summerfield, Florida. In the past he has been lead vocalist for The Sonshine Quartet of Ocala, Florida. He is a song writer and can play eleven different instruments. He is married to Brandy and has three children, Emma, Tommy & Brendyn.

Ron Lasseter: Ron joined the group in April 2008 and is the bass vocalist of Sun State Quartet. He is a native of Lakeland, Florida and still resides there. He grew up in a ministry minded family and knew that God had a calling in his life at an early age but chose a different path. In 2000 he surrendered to the ministry call when he joined Risen. He graduated from the Steve Hurst School of Music while singing with Southern Sanctuary Quartet of Mooresville, North Carolina. He is married to Sara and has one child, Elijah.

Mark Robinstine: Mark is the most recent addition to the ministry and is the lead vocalist for Sun State Quartet. Mark knows that the Lord is in control of his life. He is a native of Reading, Michigan but has lived in Florida for 27 years and resides in Spring Hill, Florida. For the past seven years he has sung mostly solo and has previously been music director at Hicks Road Baptist Church in Hudson. He feels in his heart that music ministry is his life's calling and feels the God has opened the door for a new chapter in his life by joining Sun State Quartet. He is married to Debbie and has two daughters, Megan and Samantha.

Sun State Quartet’s style is predominately Southern Gospel with the “classic” quartet sound. We do not come to entertain or perform. We do not come to impress you with a fancy choreographed show. We are here to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray that through some song or through some spoken word, that your life may be touched and you will leave a changed person. Whether it is a soul that’s saved, a broken heart that’s mended, a shattered life brought back together again or just an encouraging word, all we desire to do is minister God’s Word, God’s Grace and God’s Mercy to your heart.