Dean Theron Echols' Obituary
Dean Theron Echols, 89, of Fort Myers, passed away on September 9, 2016 at Gulf Coast Medical Center of Fort Myers. Cremation rites are to be accorded. Dean was born August 7, 1927 in Topeka, KS, the son of Bynum Ray and Waunita Nellie (Grimsley) Echols. After graduating high school in Allen, KS in 1945, he joined the US Navy. After his time in the Navy he graduated Railroad Communication School in Kansas City, MO and went to work as an agency telegrapher for D&RG Railroad in 1948. He was drafted into the Army from 1951-1953. He married Patricia Vreekin in 1951 and had 3 children, Vicki Ramshaw of Jennings, MO, David Echols of Algonquin, IL and Kristi Preston of Boise, ID. Patricia died in 1971 from cancer. He married Leona McHaney on September 30, 1972. Leona has three children, Barbara Murphy of Park Ridge, NJ, Donna Wolf of Castle Pines, CO, and Gale Robinson of Silsbee, TX. Together they have many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Also surviving are sister, Naomi Gardner. He retired in 1980 from Transportation and Communication Union and moved to Fort Myers, FL. He enjoyed golfing and fishing and traveling to many places around the world. He volunteered for 10 years as a courier at Health Park Medical Center. The Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Dean. Condolences may be left to his family at www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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