ECHOLS, Larry

Kingman Daily Miner, Kingman, AZ - Published on December 5, 2012 - Larry Echols, loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, at the Heart Institute of Phoenix at the age of 78. The second of four children born to Elijah and Cordelia Echols, he joined the United States Marine Corps at 17 and served in Korea, where he earned a Purple Heart during hand-to-hand combat. A 28-year retired veteran of the Marine Corps and other military reserves, he also served as a law enforcement officer with three police agencies, including the California Highway Patrol. Born in Marysville, Calif., he lived most of his early life in the Snelling and Merced areas prior to joining the Marines and law enforcement agencies with duties in various postings all over the United States. During the last years of his life, he lived in Kingman, where he worked part time as a court bailiff. Larry was an American patriot until the end, flying both the American flag and the Marine Corps flag in front of his home. For many years he enjoyed flying his airplane, riding his Harley Davidson and gun sports, as well as building and flying remote control airplanes with his friends in Kingman. He loved being a husband to his wife, Jane; father to his four sons; and was a wonderful grandfather. He was a loving brother as well and set a great example for his family and all who knew him. He was a valued and loyal friend to many in Kingman and several localities in California. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah and Cordelia Echols and by his eldest son, Timothy Lawrence Echols. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jane Echols of Kingman; his sons, Donald Echols (Susan) of Bakersfield, Calif., Randall Dean Echols (Mattie) of Oakdale, Calif., David Echols (Barbara) of Ontario, Canada; a brother, Marlin Echols of Palm Desert, Calif.; a sister, Vila Echols Pruner of Kingman; as well as eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. At his request, no memorial services will be held. In lieu of flowers, Larry has requested that any donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Program, the ASPCA or the Humane Society.