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Thomas Echols Obituary
Affectionately known to most as "Rock", he is survived by his wife, Theo Echols; children, Matt (Julie) Echols, Lizz (Chris) Wilcox, Sara Echols; grandchildren, Jake and Blake Echols, Jeremy and Jessica Jowais, Cassandra and Christian Wilcox; siblings, Jim (Elaine) Echols, Marty Echols, John (Peggy) Echols, Suzi Upholzer; and many other close family members. Rock was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and an avid fisherman. He was a devoted son and all around nice guy.
Funeral Service FRIDAY, 7 p.m. at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 East Cherry St. (Rt. 93, Canal Fulton), with Rev. Jan Berthinee officiating. Friends may call FRIDAY from 4 p.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to VNS Hospice, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333. (Swigart-Easterling, 330-854-2356) www.swigarteasterlingfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Echols
September 9, 2013
God grant that I may fish, until my dying day.
and when at last I come to rest, I'll then most humbly pray.
When in his landing net I lie in final sleep,
that in his mercy I'll be judged good enough to keep.
Hal Wahle
October 11, 2012
Dear Theo and family: Hal and I are deeply saddened by Rock's passing. He was always such a happy, pleasant person and we loved to see him fishing out on the lake or out working in the yard. You have our very deepest sympathy. Your lake neighbors---Beverly Haws and Hal Wahle.
Nancy Tobin
September 22, 2012
Oh Theo, we were so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You have our sincere loving thoughts and prayers as you deal with this loss. Our hearts are sad for you but happy that he will suffer no more. Nancy and Phyllis
Bruce Jacobs
September 20, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Rock's passing. He was a truly wonderful person. He was always fun, laughing, and joking. My deepest condolences to all of his family and friends. I am so sorry I could not make it down for his service. May peace be with all of you.
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Jeffrey Mayer
September 17, 2012
Please rest in peace my friend from all the folks at Jones Kinden. You were a fine man and will be missed!
Nancy Allshouse
September 16, 2012
I grew up next door to the Echols family and for years and years, I was not even aware that his real name was Thomas - I've always known him as Rock.
I have very fond memories of Rock, his parents and siblings. Theo - you possess such grace in how you handle life and love and I am in awe.
I am so sorry that I missed the calling hours - my heart was in Canal Fulton as were my thoughts.
What a wonderful life and what a great man.
Nancy (Webb) Allshouse
Debbie Rohr
September 16, 2012
Very sad to hear of Rocks passing. I also worked with him @ Manchester Tool. He always had a smile on his face & was there for advice. Rock was a great guy & will be dearly missed by all. My sympathy & prayers are with the family.
Patty Rosier
September 15, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rock. He was my boss at Manchester Tool at one time and I am so glad I had the pleasure of knowing him. He would always listen to us and help us whenever we needed and we truly appreciated it. My sympathy goes out to Theo, his children and his family. He will be missed.
Steve Jordan
September 15, 2012
Rock was a great guy, good and honest employee,(from years past) and a real man I was proud to know.
Drew Arns
September 15, 2012
Throughout our lives we are lucky to have known people that poses the qualities that Rock brought to the table. I spent a few years with him on the road both Internationally and here in the States spreading the messsage and trying to develope a new brand. He had a way of breaking people down with his honest approach and that great smile that few can duplicate. I will miss many things....wearing those crocks with a Tie because he forgot his dress shoes, the hidden flask(Makers Mark) for those late night training sessions in the Hotel, Distributor training in Mexico with a translator, and the conversations about his family that he was very proud of.....it goes on and on.
Rest in peace my Friend...Until next time...
Tammy Smith (Kazlauckas)
September 14, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 14, 2012
So sorry for your loss. When Rock was on the lake fishing all was right with the world. Our condolences to your family.
The Oates family - Mike and Priscilla
Mick, Megan & Katie Flickinger
September 14, 2012
Theo and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Rock. He was truly a wonderful, kind and caring person! He will be greatly missed by many. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
In deepest sympathy,
Love your friends,
Dawn Ward
September 14, 2012
Tom was such a nice person,and he will be greatly missed by many!
With Greatest Sympathy-
September 14, 2012
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. Peace and love. Helen Blattman
Scott Etling
September 14, 2012
Just wanted to express my sorrow for your lost of Rock. He was a great man that I got to know through work. I will always cherish his drive for success and taking care of the customer. But more importantly do it with passion and to care. I am a better person for knowing Rock and the world is a little less brighter.
September 14, 2012
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our prayers go out to you in your time of need---------the Stevens Family
Tina & Bill Swoger
September 13, 2012
Our prayers and blessings go out to the family of Rock. We new him in high school and lost touch after graduation and moving to Az. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Tammy Wagner
September 13, 2012
Theo and family, So sorry for your loss. I know how much he was loved by you and his family. May he rest in peace. The Wagner's Steve, Tammy and Samantha
Meropi & Andrew Frankford
September 13, 2012
For a dear relative and true friend, we'll miss you Tom...
Love,
Meropi and Andrew Frankford.
Earl & Nancy Fendenheim
September 13, 2012
God be with you Theo and family through this trying time.Tom is in the loving hands of our Lord God , safe and at peace. Amen
Van Simpson
September 13, 2012
Rest in piece my friend, from your entire Manchester family.
Karyn Upholzer Hendricks
September 13, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Echols family during this difficult time. Rock was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Cherish the memories of the wonderful times you spent together.
Mike Filipiak
September 12, 2012
My condolences to the family of Tom. He was really a great guy. We used to talk about fishing and motorcycles when ever we worked together. When I bought my first Harley back in 2003, Tom was one or the first people that I told about it. A couple of weeks later I received a Guardian Bell from Tom which I still have on my bike. I have where I see it every time I go for a ride. It really means a lot to me. I will miss our talks.
Your family is in my thought and prayers.
Beverly Eppinger
September 12, 2012
REST IN PEACE ROCK.... I NEW HIM FROM MCT COMPANY... GREAT MAN HE IS...
September 12, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Rock. He was my boss at Manchester Tool and I truly enjoyed knowing him. He was a great boss and he would always listen and help us which was truly appreciated. My sympathy goes out to Theo, his children and the rest of the family. He will truly be missed.
Gina Aloisi
September 12, 2012
Dear Theo Sarah, Matt, Liz & Family,
I know Tom will be greatly missed by his family & friends. He was a kind, loving, family man and he holds a special place in our hearts. May God give you strength in the days ahead and may He wrap His loving, comforting arms around your family.
We love you.
With our deeepest sympathy, Glenn, Gina, Lucas & Alena Aloisi
Meropi & Andy Frankford
September 12, 2012
Amanda Phelps, Iwakuni, Japan
Tammy, Justin & Aubree Phelps McAvinew
September 12, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Missy
September 12, 2012
While I didn't personally know him, I know he was a great person who meant the world to his niece, Rachel. I am so sorry to your entire family's loss and will be thinking of you all.
Margo Beck
September 12, 2012
My condolences to the entire family. I know he was deeply loved and will be missed by so many. Matt, Lizz.....I am so sorry.
September 12, 2012
Theo, Thinking of you with great sympathy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Janet Stephan
Lizz Wilcox
September 12, 2012
I miss my dad so much. He is the beat most kind giving man I've ever known. Thank you for all the wonderful messages.
Sandy. and Charles Barnett
September 12, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss, Rock was my boss at MTC, he was a great boss and a good friend .I pray that God will bless your family with his love,peace and understanding.
FirstMerit Girls
September 12, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Tom's smile and kindness will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss.
Juaneva Stahl
September 12, 2012
To the Echols family I am so sorry for your loss, I also worked with Rock and His dad for many years, both were great people to work with.
The Sandmann's and Lange's
September 12, 2012
Dear Bryan, Jen, Will, Callie, Liam, James, Jim, Elaine and the entire Echols Family,
We have heard wonderful stories about Rock over the past few years. Take comfort in sharing those stories of your loved one with each other during this difficult time. Thinking of you all and keeping you lifted in our prayers.
Love and hugs,
"Aunt" Leigh, Walt, Erin, Steph, Steve and Kelsey
Beverly Hylton
September 12, 2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of Rock. I worked with him and his dad for many years at MTC and he was a great guy. My prayers are with your family.
Susan Brabson
September 12, 2012
My deepest sympathy to your family. Rock was a true genuine person and an exceptional boss. I worked for him at Manchester Tools and learned so many valuable lessons from him to carry me thru my life. I am so deeply saddened for your loss. My condolences to you, Theo and your children. Rock was a great person and I will always think very highly of him. Rest in peace.
Dorothy Hartong
September 12, 2012
Theo, I know how much you will miss Tom. Please find comfort in knowing that others are thinking of you in this time of sadness and sorrow. Know that Tom is at peace now and no longer suffering. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bill & Bette Lyons
September 12, 2012
Theo and family,
Our thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you. May the God of all comfort be with you now and in the days ahead.
September 12, 2012
Theo: My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know that Rock was a great, loving husband and you will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.
Pam Carnahan
Jim & Karen Evans
September 12, 2012
to the Echols family - our heartfelt condolences.
Deanna Gilmore
September 12, 2012
Matt, Julie, Jake & Blake,
While we did not know Rock, we do know all of you. By raising a great son in Matt, he has touched our lives as well. Knowing that he is at peace and pain free does not make it any easier, but we hope it does bring some comfort to you and your family. Our prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
The Gilmores
Vicky Neidert-Hammer
September 12, 2012
Hearfelt sympathy to Theo and family - love and prayers to all - I enjoyed knowing Rock
ULERY
September 12, 2012
REST IN PEACE ROCK
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