Echols
Kenneth Echols went to be with our Lord on December 19 2017.
Born on December 5, 1927. A native of Amarillo, Texas Ken "Slim" Echols worked on his grandparent’s farm in the summer picking cotton. He was a football star who played for the University of Montana and West Texas State. Drafted by the LA Rams he chose love and country and hung up his cleats to marry Betty Ann Sharp of McAllen, Texas and serve his country in the US Navy. Ken served in both the Pacific and Atlantic.
His last eight years were at the Pentagon with the Defense Intelligence Agency. After 24 years of service he retired as a Lieutenant Commander. Among his honors Ken received a letter of commendation for his Outstanding Performance during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After retirement Ken and Betty and their fourth child settled in Smithville where he was a general manager of Four Seasons Resort and Marina for 11 years.
They settled in Tucson in 1992 to grow old with their kids and raise emus.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife Betty and son Joe.
He is survived by his son Jason and two daughters Julie and Chella. Grandad was very proud of his six grandsons, one granddaughter and three great grandchildren and was blessed to have them all here in Arizona. Our Gentle Giant - to know him was to love him.
A private interment at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery will be held in January.
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to consider a donation to Fidelity Care Corner or Emblem Hospice.
Adair Funeral Home, Tucson, AZ, was in charge of the arrangements.
Smithville Review
(Smithville, Tenn.)