Mr. John Clements Echon

ECHON, JOHN CLEMENTS, passed away on August 29, 2021 after passing peacefully on hospice services at the age of 99. He was born on December 15, 1921 in Arnold, Pennsylvania. He is preceded in death by his brother, James and parents, John and Anna McLaughlin Echon. In 1937 the family moved to New Kensington, Pennsylvania. In 1943 as a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp he went on to pilot 35 missions in a B-17 “The Lazy Lady” over Germany. He was a member of the 8 ^th Air Force, 487 ^th Bomb Group 838 Squadron based in Lavenham, England. In July 1944 he met his future bride, Lillian Hardin who he later married in 1946. Their marriage lasted 67 years. In 1958 John accepted a position with Florida Gas Company and the family moved to Florida. He retired after 20 years of employment, and he and Lillian traveled around the country. They routinely vacationed in Hendersonville, North Carolina. He joined the VFW in Apopka #10147 and became Chief Quartermaster. He and his wife were active in the First United Methodist Church of Orlando; he especially looked forward to the Nu Class on Sunday mornings. John loved the outdoors, all sports, but especially golf. He played golf every Saturday. During that time he met a great group of golfers at Winter Park Pines Golf Club. He scored his age on that golf course in 2013 at the age of 92 and continued to golf until he was 94. Because his knees were failing, he had to give up that beloved sport. He loved gardening and all animals, especially his dachshund, Peanut. He was a resident for the last 2 ½ years at Excellence Assisted Living. He has 3 loving daughters, Joyce Echon Butler (PA), Jacqui (Orlando), and Janet (Jacksonville) who were devoted to him throughout his life. There will be no viewing. He will be buried with full military honors at the National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers donations can be made out to the Wounded Warriors Project. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Orlando.