Mrs. Lillian Hardin Echon

Lillian Hardin Echon passed away on August 21, 2013 after a long siege with Alzheimer's. She was born on April 17, 1920 in Beebe, AR. Lillian was preceded in death by a twin sister, Wanda, and 2 brothers, Ralph and Garland. She graduated Beebe High School and attended Chillicothe College in MO. In 1940, Lillian went to Washington, DC, where she was employed by the War Production Board. In November 1942, she enlisted in the Navy Waves with the first group of young women. Lillian trained at Oklahoma A&M University and upon graduation, she was assigned to Navy District 8 in New Orleans where she worked in communications and personnel. In February 1944, she was co-sponsor at the launching of the Navy tanker, U.S. Fort Bridger in Mobile, AL. In July 1944, she was one of the first Waves to attain the rank of Chief Yeoman. It was also the month in which she met Air Corp Pilot John Echon, who was to become her future husband. Lillian and John were married in 1946 and began a marriage that lasted 67 years. In 1958, the family moved to FL when John was employed by Florida Gas Company. Lillian worked in the credit department of Minute Maid and later, JC Penney from which she retired after 17 years service. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed vacationing in the Smokies of western NC. Lillian was a lover of animals and always had a pet dog. She was active in the First Methodist Church of Orlando where she was a member of the Care committee and the Nu Sunday school class. Lillian was a patient at Sunbelt Rehab and Nursing Center for the past 9 months. She is survived by her husband and 3 daughters, Joyce Echon Butler of PA, Jacqui of Orlando, and Janet of Jacksonville. There will be no viewing or service. Burial will be in the National Cemetery in Bushnell.