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DARRELL ECHARD Obituary

April 4, 1955 - Jan 22, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY Darrell was born in Shawnee, OK. He graduated from Star Spencer High School in 1973 and from the University of Hartford in 2009 with his MBA. Darrell was a manager for several aerospace companies over the last 30 years. He was a phenomenal guitarist and teacher of music. Darrell was a friend to many and never met a person he didn't like. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His wife and soul mate, Jennifer Echard, were happily married for 38 years. Jennifer also passed on the same day. Darrell is survived by his son, Brian and his wife Angela and their two children, Alexander and Andrew; and his daughter, Nikki Hayden (Echard) and her husband Michael. He is also survived by his parents, Kenneth and Wanda Echard; his brothers, Steve Echard and Mark Echard and his wife DeAnn; and his sister, Patti Haas and her husband David and their children, Natalie, Alicia, Michael, and Kaitlyn. A celebration of life event will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 31 at Community Center, 200 N. Midwest Blvd., Midwest City, OK. Memorials may be made to the Fender Music Foundation.

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

Published by Oklahoman on Jan. 28, 2014.

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Evelyn and John Machung

April 16, 2014

John and I where shocked to learn of Darrell's passing. Darrell and his family were our friends and neighbors here in Vernon, CT. for many years.

John and Evelyn

February 11, 2014

RIP MY FRIEND, AND CLASSMATE AT STAR SPENCER HIGH SCHOOL.. Marilyn Chapman Matthews

John Marshall

February 6, 2014

Darrell I'll never forget the warmth ,kindness and friendship that you showed me over the years.
I'll always have happy memories of our discussions of all things political , cultural or economic over a bowl of soup or coffee.

No matter when I stopped over to see you ,I was always greeted with a smile and a welcome.

You and Jennifer gave me and my family many many special memories including Thanksgiving dinners and summer BBQ's and made us very welcome at a time we were new to the country.

We will miss you and Jennifer and are fortunate to have a beautiful mirror in our house made by Jennifer which we will remember you by.

Goodbye for now...

Gary Dionysius

February 6, 2014

Darrell was truly a special guy, one of a rare breed and I will miss him and his laugh. He was a friend and also a mentor to me in how he chose to live his life and how much he loved Jennifer. The times we jammed in Darrell's basement are memories I will cherish. Rest well buddy, I look forward to when we meet again on the other side

Roger Harrison

January 30, 2014

My wife & I spent many pleasent evenings with Darrell & Jennifer, before & after we both had children. In 1977 Darrell joined a band I was forming (his first). We played together in a few more groups before he moved to CT in 1998. Then, as often happens, we drifted apart. Last year when he moved back to Okla. we rekindled our friendship. We had been rehearsing & were well on our way to public performances, which we were really looking forward to. He told me I was all the therapy he needed.
Darrell was a wonderful musician, an even better person. He will be greatly missed.

January 30, 2014

Darrell was a wonderful friend and guitar buddy to my brother Mike Earnest all the way back to high school. Condolences to the family at this sad time. Sidney Earnest Ford

Andrew Geib

January 30, 2014

Darrell was a special person. Thoughtful, respectful and always helpful. I worked with him at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut and looked up to him. He had the presence of a man from an earlier generation - sensitive and strong. I wish the family of Darrell and Jennifer well during this time of grieving.

Jimmy Wilmoth

January 30, 2014

Went to High School with Darrell. Rode motorcycles, worked on them at his house. I too haven't seen him in years but I've lost a friend.. My prayers go out to his family...

Debbie Vernon-Weeks

January 29, 2014

Even though it's been 41 years since I've seen Darrell, I can still see his face! May God bless this family.

Linda Watt

January 29, 2014

My heart goes out to my Uncle Ken and Aunt Wanda , Steve, Mark and Patti.. I have fond memories of our trips to Oklahoma and running around with all the cousins.. Hang on to all the memories,,we have lost 4 cousins now , one being my brother and it hurts less as time goes by , but its harder on certain dates... Love to you all, Linda Erwin Watt and Husband Richard

Kenny & Betty Prather

January 28, 2014

We were next door neighbors to Darrell and Jennifer in Claremore, Ok and they became very special to us.They were wonderful people and we had many over the fence conversations with them. Kenny also loved guitar and he and Darrell would get together and play occasionally. He was a good man and he loved his family. Nikki and Brian, we watched you grow into find young people and and I know you made Darrell and Jennifer proud. We will be praying for comfort and peace for your family at this time of sorrow.

David DiLeo

January 28, 2014

I was fortunate to have worked for Darrell for several years and considered him both a mentor and a friend. An outstanding individual who was a master at balancing passion and practicality. You will be missed my friend. My deepest sympathies to the Echard family...

Teck Mong Chia

January 28, 2014

We, in ESA have the opportunities to work with Darrell during our initial ERP implementation. To us he is one who will go all out to help us in any way possible.

Karlene Crooks

January 28, 2014

My deepest condolence to the Echard's family. I worked with Darrell for a few years and it was a pleasure. He was very easy to work with and extremely likable. The world has lost a great human being.

Glenn Montigny

January 28, 2014

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Darrell for many years at Pratt & Whitney. He was truly one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Not only did he never meet a person he didn't like, but all who had the pleasure of meeting him felt the same. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Grace Beckett

January 28, 2014

There are not enough words to express the saddness that is felt by so many. Love and light and healing thoughts to the Echard family.

Richard Thorpe

January 28, 2014

I worked for and with Darrell for more than eight years and was privileged to meet Jennifer in Singapore. Darrell was fair man and a fine boss. He always believed in moderation in everything except the effort he would expend in the development of the potential of people he could touch. I will miss Darrell Echard.

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