Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Echols Obituary

ECHOLS, LANCE CPL. THOMAS PAINE, USMC, 20, of Shepherdsville, died on Monday, December 4, 2006 during combat in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. Tom was born on January 2, 1986 in Mt. Clemens, MI. He attended Bullitt Central High School where he was a part of the school's Army Junior ROTC and drill team and graduated from Riverview High School in 2004. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, I II Marine Expeditionary Force stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. He is survived by his wife, the former Allyson Salyer; his parents, Kurt and Rose Echols of Naples, FL; his sister, Becca Miller; and brother, Alex Echols, both of Shepherdsville; his grandparents, Jerry and Sharon Echols of Sierra Vista, AZ, and Donald and Mary Wight of Algonac, MI; and his great-grandmothers, Eleanor Hoffman of Seattle, WA, and Zella Wight of Lansing, MI. Public visitation will be from 11 a.m. -8 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2006 at Maraman Billings Funeral Home in Shepherdsville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal on Dec. 13, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Echols

Not sure what to say?





Charles Kincaid

December 21, 2015

I worked with Abie Grenell and we became friends and she talked about you from time to time.
When she received news of your death, it saddened me.
She spoke of you like family, it seems many people really liked you.
I ran across this by chance today, Rest In Peace, Marine.

December 26, 2012

Remembering Tommy during this Holy Season. Praying for his daughter.

Danielle McConkey

May 28, 2012

Tommy the last time I seen you we were in grade school at Pickford. I'll always remember you. Thank you for you service and your sacrifice. My condolences and thoughts are with your family.

Peggy Childers

December 5, 2011

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols:
Please accept my remembrance of Thomas on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Lynne Neibert

June 18, 2011

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

ROGER RICKERT

May 14, 2011

Rest In Peace Hero, a Grateful Nation Salutes You Welcome Home

A Vietnam Vet

Bev Echols-Cole

March 20, 2011

Bless you Thomas.
your cousin
Bev Echols Cole

Peggy Childers

December 4, 2010

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols:
Remembering Thomas on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

debbi

May 27, 2010

Thomas, your daughter is growing and just so full of life in all the photos that Ally posts. I have so enjoyed getting to know her. I know that God is with them both and that you look down on them as you guard them each minute of everyday. Through Ally we are getting to know you and what a great person you are.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra,, Iraq

April 10, 2010

It's been some time now, but you have remained in many memories and hearts! Thank you for standing boldly for our country, your loss is never in vain!

Vanessa Smiley

January 24, 2010

So Sorry for your loss. I appreciate everything that he has done for his and my county. I send all my prayer to the family and his daughter. He will see her, he will be looking down and taking care of her and blessing her everyday.

Donna Gillette

December 24, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

tammy sweitzer

December 5, 2009

God bless you all. I too lost my son, Adam Fulkerson kia 10-08-06 in tikrit, iraq (operation iraqi freedom). It feels like just yesterday many days and my heart goes out to you all. Tammy [email protected]

Hayley Echols

December 4, 2009

To my family: Even though I only meet him twice he was still close family. Today is the 3rd year memorial. You all are in our hearts down in Arizona.

Love your little cousin.

kay

November 26, 2009

I stopped by and visited your grave today, to thank you sir. Thank you for protecting our country so bravely. RIP

Family Picture May 08

October 9, 2009

Deployment Day

October 9, 2009

Charles H. Miranda

September 17, 2009

=======================================
Follow The Rainbow To Heaven.
=======================================

A Soldier had die out on the
battlefield;

Broken hearts are weeping For
Them,

But take comfort of knowing
that God had sent Them a
rainbow from heaven;

The Souls of the Soldiers
have gone to there home
in heaven,

Our Loved One's has follow
God's lovely rainbow in the
sky;

All the way to the end of the
sky.

That leads all the way to the
other end of the Lord's
house in heaven,

So just keep on praying and
trust that God will send us
that same rainbow in the sky;

Where Our Loved One's are
waiting For You and For Me at
the end of the rainbow in
heaven.

=======================================





Do A Web Search On:
Charles H. Miranda -- Or.
charlesthepoet2003
===========================

August 20, 2009

wow im really sad!

March 26, 2009

Kenna Larra

February 23, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,500 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of Thomas ~ (Debra Estep)

December 4, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Thomas, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

December 4, 2008

To the family of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols:
Thomas gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Andrew Wilkerson

November 25, 2008

My heart goes out to the Echols family and may they rest assured that the young man who they raised and lived with for 20 years is safe in the harms of our Lord. As the son and grandson of our nations veterans I am committed as an American to honor this young man and all of our uniformed men and women. I thank you Lance Cpl. Echols for protecting my freedom even though we have never met and it seems that, at least on this side of the eternity, we may never meet. May God Bless You and keep you for all eternity.

June 15, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Lance Cpl Echols!

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

December 6, 2007

To the Echols family; I previously signed Thomas guest book. Thomas it has been a year since you were taken. Please know that you are my hero and that you and the others will never be forgotten.

Crystal

August 21, 2007

I am sorry for the loss of such a young man. Heaven seems to be filled with these great young men these days.

August 14, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 4, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Lance Cpl Echols and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

Annie Brown

April 18, 2007

Tom,
I am shocked by the entrys that are still going now 4 months later. Not a day goes by I dont think about you. I can still feel the hugs (as few as they came) you used to give me back in Pickford (MI). Becka and I joke that GOD made us best friends because he knew our mom couldnt handle us being sisters. Well we are. As for you, you are forever my baby brother. I miss you so much. Save a shot for me, I will take it with you when we meet again. See you when I get my wings. Everyday I serve in the Navy I know I have one of the Best Marines watching over me. I love you.

Robyn Garside

April 9, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI

A PROUD MARINE MOM

HB TOWNSEND

March 25, 2007

REMEMBER THIS MARINE, HONOR HIM AND THINK OF HIM. SEMPER FIDELIS. ACO 1/6 2ND PLT VET 1984-1988

Kathy Polly (Meadors)

March 19, 2007

There isn't much to say. I love you Tom Tom and I always will. My baby brother always. You gave your life to protect the ones you love....there is no greater bravery and deserves the greatest respect.I will never forget you bubby...and I will see you later....

Joshua Maida

March 10, 2007

Semper Fidelis Brother... God keep you.

David Johnson

February 11, 2007

Please allow me the opportunity to express my sadness at the loss of another Hero. Prayers to the family, and friends of this Marine who paid the supreme price so we have the opportunity to live the life we live.

Lee Sirotnak

January 26, 2007

Please accept our condolences for your loss, our prayers that you find peace and comfort in our Lord, and our thanks for the sacrifice that your Marine made for our country. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that there are many Marine families keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Semper Fi.

Joshua and April Morales

January 10, 2007

To Thomas's family and friends-
My family and I are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. We send our deepest empathy as we lost our Marine on 11/30/05 in Fallujah. We are comforted to know that our Marines are serving their country with such honor and bravery. We are so proud of our Marines and all of our other service men and women for all that they have done and continue to do to keep us safe and to give us the freedom we have that so many take for granted.
They are true Heroes and need to always be remembered for their selflessness and sacrifice to better our world. We will forever be united in the loss of our heros. We are so sorry for your loss and hope our words will ease some of the pain, and maybe fill some of your emptiness.
Yesterday, Today, Forever – Semper Fi - Marines!
Our sincerest gratitude for their bravery-
The family of Cpl. William "Billy" Taylor
2/6 WPNS
KIA outside of Fallujah 11/30/05

Glen Nevogt

January 7, 2007

“Paid in Full”
In Honor of The War Against Terrorism’s Fallen and Injured Marines


Marines through and through, they paid the price
Six thousand miles away, we live the life
For which they paid with their blood, spirits and bodies
We will never forget what they paid in full

We hope and we pray that somehow their loved ones find comfort
In God, in the flag, in the memory of their loved ones’ bravery
They’re gone now but we see them still…proud, strong, willing
Covering each other’s backs… courageous, moving forward

What kind of love did they have for us to be willing
To give it all for the Black, White, Jew, Christian, Muslim?
We don’t comprehend but we honor you now and forever
You are Our Marines…some living…some not
Forever in our minds we will cherish your lives

Lives too short yet immortal they’ll be
Highest brotherhood of the few, the proud
They stand at attention, and we gaze with awe
Some know their names not, but our admiration for them
Flows limitless within us, between us

They sacrificed their limbs or their lives
Freedom still rings, a soft sound across the miles
It tolls slowly; all of creation takes note
Of the lives that were lost for people unknown

Out of sight but not lost; forever among us
The starched blues marching straight
Toward the place where we will meet them
Many years from now…how we loved them…
Well done beloved Brothers and Sisters…You’ve paid it in full
Always Faithful Marines, You Have Paid it in Full

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

January 5, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Echols family in the loss of Tom. I did not know Tom, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Tom you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

January 5, 2007

To the Family of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

January 5, 2007

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of Thomas Echols. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and for that, America thanks him.

Kurt Echols

January 4, 2007

Thank You to everyone who has posted such kind words and thoughts about Tom. It touches our hearts to know that Tom was well thought of and made such a positive impact to others.

Dennis & Pam Robertson

January 4, 2007

It is with great sorrow that we are signing yet another guest book to another family of a young marine. You are in our prayers, may God comfort you at this time. He was a true hero.
Aunt & Uncle to Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06

Jamie Graves

January 4, 2007

It breaks my heart when we lose another fine soldier..He will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed by all..God Bless your family..

Land Of the Free`Because Of The Brave.. Jamie~(Navy wife of a deployed Sailor)

Henryk Zaleski

January 4, 2007

Rest in peace in a place called heaven where you are forever young and forever trouble free.You gave your all,thank you.You are forever missed.

Gary Allain

January 3, 2007

Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Scott Warner

January 3, 2007

On behalf of the Warner family, please accept my deepest condolences. My son, Marine Pvt Heath Warner, was killed by a roadside IED on 11/22/06. Thomas is an American hero and you should be proud of his brave service. May God be a comfort to you during this difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Renee Owens

January 3, 2007

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincere gratitude for his service. May God grant you strength and peace.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

In memory of PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006

Claire Zawistowski

January 1, 2007

Dear Echols Family,
Even though we have never met I feel as if we are a part of a "family". My daughter's fiancee was killed in Iraq on 10/3/05 by an IED. It is my prayer that you will feel God holding you as tight to His heart as He has held my family this past year. May you know God's peace and grace as you travel down this difficult road.

Gary Sharkey

December 31, 2006

To the family of LCPL Echols -

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. My son is a member of LCPL Echols unit in Iraq. He considered LCPL Echols a friend as well as a comrade-in-arms. He will be missed by his fellow Marines.

Trudy Lowe

December 28, 2006

My heartfelt sympathies to your family. My heart breaks with each new name added to this list, and I am saddened by your loss. Know that you are surrounded by prayers, grace and the deep gratitude of all who live in freedom. My God hold you in his arms and grant you peace. Please find joy in the memories of your loved one and comfort knowing so many are holding you in their hearts.

tonya byrns

December 25, 2006

May God bless your family at time difficult time. He was a hero on earth and an angel in heaven. My prayers are with your family.
Tonya Byrns (Shepherdsvill, Ky)

Cordy Diaz

December 25, 2006

To the family of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols, It is with great sorrow that I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences. Thomas will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Garnet Jenkins

December 23, 2006

My Deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Lance Cpl. Thomas P. Echols.
The price this Brave Young Marine and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.

May he rest safely in God's Care and may God's Loving Peace and Comfort be with the Echols family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, 12/6/67.

May the Peace of God and the memories of Thomas, remain in your heart always and give you comfort
and strength through the difficult days ahead.
~ Softly and slowly, time heals.~

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart" Psalm 27:14

Don Elseroad

December 22, 2006

In recognition of Lance Corporal Thomas P. Echols' Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969

Sabrina Goddard

December 21, 2006

To The Echol's Family,

My son is Chris Goddard, he served with your son in Ramadi. They had becomed friends this time in Iraq. My son spoke very highly of your son. I know that Chris considered them to be buddies. I have a letter that was mail on Dec 4th about Cpl. Echols. I would like to mail your family a copy of that letter. Know that your son is not only a "HERO" to my son and the Marines of 1/6 but a "BROTHER" who loved his life. You are in our families heart and prayers. God bless you and the know that God has a special place for your son.

Kenny Goodrich

December 21, 2006

To the Echols family,
My heart and prayers are with you in this time of tragic loss.

Amy McNeil

December 20, 2006

Ally, I am so sorry for your loss, our get togethers will never be the same! I will always remember the good times (Like the prank calls Tom made during the guys/girls night) Rest In Peace Tom, Love Ya Ally!

Vivian Buckler

December 18, 2006

To the Echols Family,
You are in our prayers during this most difficult time. As you mourn the loss of your loved one, our nation mourns the loss of another hero. May God comfort you during your time of sorrow.

The Buckler Family

Songie Griffin

December 17, 2006

Echols Family- may God give you strength each day. I didn't know Tom personally but what I heard about him he was a brave soilder. Ally be strong whenever you feel sad think of the footprints poem.

Rhonda Fenwick

December 17, 2006

To the entire Echols Family,
I have two sons serving in the military, one of which is currently deployed, Cory Hagan, a very close friend of Tom & Alex's and know how very proud of your sons you are. May god be with you during this saddend time. Cory asks that because he can't be here to extend his condolences for him & to ensure you know how proud he is to have had such a great friend. Tom will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Susan (Nale)Haub

December 15, 2006

Allyson - We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your husband. Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this time. We pray that God will give you the strength, comfort, and determination to continue on as you make a life for yourself and your baby. ~The Nale, Haub, & Barr Families

Thom Pike

December 15, 2006

To the entire Echols family and friends of Tom. God bless you during this most painful time. Thanks is not enough to offer so I offer my prayers. God is aware of the people Tom helped and touched and whose lives he changed without even knowing it nor they knowing him. What a gift he gave and we all lost but only for now for my faith tells me I will see him again.

Thom Pike

Heather Grider

December 14, 2006

Tom we are all going to miss you. i can remember all the times after school we were getting ready for rotc to do the flag at football games and you would always forget your socks. We all loved you like a brother and we miss you so very much.

Susan Bowman

December 14, 2006

It saddens me once again to hear of another fallen soldier. I would like for each family member to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. My family has traveled the path you now must travel. We know the loss that you must be feeling. We lost a precious child, LCpl Jon Eric Bowman, on Oct. 9, 2006, he was in the 1/6th as well. Jon was my step-son, but none the less a large part of my heart. His father (Johnny) wife (Dawn Bowman), sisters (Ashley and Megan) and I (Susan) are keeping you in our prayers. There is no way to measure the gratitude we have for Thomas' ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts go out to each of you, for we know the pain you are dealing with, at this time. I do believe the Lord will hold you close and get you through the days ahead. Again know that we are all lifting you up in prayer.

Sincerely,
Susan Bowman
Proud Step-Mom to LCpl Jon Eric Bowman USMC.
Susan Bowman (Monroe, LA )

Sharon Miles

December 14, 2006

This is a very sad and painful time for all who knew and loved Tom. God GOD Bless you Thomas. God help the rest of us deal with this tremendous loss. I'm so proud of Tom's bravery. Just so proud of who he became and the MARINE he was. Rest well Thomas. It's not the same without you.

Heather Ryan

December 14, 2006

Thomas will always be remember in our heart and soul. I will always remember his laughter as a child. He was always a happy go lucky kid. My thoughts are with Allyson and unborn child. Your cousins, Heather and Eathen Ryan

Steve U. S. Army(Ret)

December 13, 2006

My deepest sorrows in your time of loss. Tom sounds like a great son and Marine. We should all be so lucky. Semper Fi.

Kathryn Eschbacher

December 13, 2006

We do not know you but want you to know that your son is our HERO...God Bless him for protecting us....My father fought in Korean for 3 years...I have so much respect for your SON....Freedom is not Free.....Bless your family.

Deborah Labrecque

December 13, 2006

To The Echols Family
My son Jake Smith served in Ramadi with Tom. Jake was very saddened with Toms passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Respectfully,
The Labrecque-Smith Family

Carolyn Fischer

December 13, 2006

Echols Family, You are in my prayers. I do not know Thomas personally, but I appreciate his service and dedication to our Country - a true Hometown Hero.

christina Grenell

December 13, 2006

Tom You are my hero and Like my brother. I will miss you so much but thank you for defending my freedom. Rest in peace , you are with God now.

Tonya and Josh Cravens

December 13, 2006

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

J. Wagner

December 13, 2006

"Greater love hath no man than one that would give up his life for a friend." Thomas is a hero. Thank you, Thomas, for your service to this country. May God bless you eternally.

Kim Patrick

December 13, 2006

Echol's Family,

I am very sad to hear of Tom's passing. My daughter, Kara Patrick,
went to school and was in JR ROTC with Tom and Alex. Our family has been touched deeply by your loss.

God Bless your family

Showing 1 - 77 of 77 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Echols's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Echols

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Echols's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more