JOHN CURTIS ECHOLS,

88, passed away on February 27, 2023. John grew up in Arkadelphia. He attended the University of Arkansas where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate.

He served in the Navy before accepting a position with what is now known as Friday Eldredge & Clark. John practiced for more than 40 years primarily in the area of public finance. He advised city governments on the finance of hospitals, schools, and other public projects throughout the state of Arkansas.

John’s life was centered by family and faith. He married Sharon Galt following a whirlwind courtship and remained devoted to her for 56 years. He was a devout Episcopalian and served his parish as a eucharistic minister and reader. He enjoyed reading, fly fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. John exhibited kindness, compassion, civility, and quiet strength. He was the epitome of what a man should be.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Louise Echols. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; siblings, Ronald Echols (Allison) and Judy Echols Jones (Bobby); and children, Michael Dawson (Stephanie), Kyle Echols (Angela), and Beth Echols (Scott). Grandchildren are Gabe Echols, Justin Echols, Matthew Echols, Aidan Echols Joyce, Sophia Echols-Joyce, and Max Echols. He adored his niece, Meredith Echols Bell, and nephews, Todd Porter, Chris Echols, Kevin Jones, and Scott Jones.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Friday, March 10, 2023, at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. Arrangements under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Arkansas Civil Liberties Union Foundation, www.acluarkansas.org, and the Central Arkansas Library System, www.cals.org.