Harry E. "Gene" Echols

Harry E. “Gene” Echols, age 90, of Topeka, passed away Monday, June 29, 2020 at Legend Healthcare in Tonganoxie, Kansas.  Gene was born January 17, 1930 in Admire, Kansas, the son of Harry and Mae (Black) Echols.  His brother, Jack Echols, preceded him in death.

Gene married Nancy Rose Martin on April 1, 1960, and the couple celebrated 60 years of marriage immediately before his passing.  They lived together at their home, which was originally built by Gene and his father, in Oakland for over 55 years.

Gene graduated from Topeka High School where he won the State Championship in tennis.  He continued playing tennis at the collegiate level at Washburn University, and played tennis recreationally for most of his life.  Gene served in the National Guard in the 1950’s where he received an honourable discharge.

For much of his early career Gene worked in the automotive sales industry, including jobs at various local new and used car dealerships in Topeka for over 25 years.  Later in life, Gene enjoyed a variety of different jobs, both formal and informal, including the sale of homemade wood chips, peonies from his and Nancy’s peony patch, and eventually the installation of industrial insulation with Topeka Insulation and Supply.

The most meaningful part of Gene’s life was his connection to the outdoors.  He was an avid sportsman.  He loved to fish and hunt birds.  He and his family would take camping trips well inside Canada and all around the Rocky Mountains.  Even at home, Gene was outside more than he was inside.  If he was not hunting, he was often tending to the large garden behind his home that he would plant and harvest every year.  There was always an abundance of fresh produce for Gene’s friends and family, and he was always eager to share whatever he could.

Gene also loved dogs, hunting dogs in particular but all dogs generally.  He was particularly fond of German Wire Hair Pointers, raising them from puppies to hunt but also to be companions.  While the dogs Gene had in his life are too numerous to mention, some of his more recent canine companions included Boozer, Smokey, Bandit, Tank, and Spark.

Gene was also a hot air balloon pilot.  He and Nancy owned and flew hot air balloons for many years, and he was a member of the Great Plains Balloon Club in Topeka.  Gene won numerous events at balloon rallies over a span of almost three decades and made countless friends along the way.

Gene was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two sons, Scott Anderson of Lawrence, Kansas and Clint Echols of Pearland, Texas; a daughter, Nancy Parsons of Evergreen, Colorado; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Gene will be interred privately at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka.  A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.  In lieu of flowers or similar gifts, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka or Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Spring Hill, Kansas ( https://alwaysandfurever.love/donate/ ). Donations can be made directly or sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com