Horace Esau (Bucky) Echols Jr.

Horace Esau (Bucky) Echols Jr., 95, of Anna, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna. 

Mr. Echols was born on Jan. 17, 1926, in Ullin, the son of Horace Esau and Ruth (Crippen) Echols.

He married Eleanora Ellis on Aug. 21, 1971.

Mr. Echols was an office manager and superintendent of the Columbia Quarry in Ullin for many years. He was a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church. 

He was an infantry soldier in the U.S. Army. He served with the 3rd, 36th and 63rd Infantry Divisions during World War II as a wire chief/ combat infantry soldier. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with three Battle Stars, the French Crox DeGuerre Award, the Good Conduct Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp. 

Survivors include his wife, Eleanora; two sons, Kendall (Charlotte) Echols and Mike (Venita) Maples; two daughters, Vicky (Rick) Duke and LaDonna (Michael Haack) Slayter; a sister, Wanda Watkins; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bill, Vaughn and Maurice Echols; and two sisters, Vesta Marks and Juanita Holderfield.

Funeral services immediately followed visitation, which was from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Dec. 10, at Crain Funeral Home in Anna. The Rev. Darryl Williams officiated. Interment took place after the service at McGinnis Cemetery. 

Memorials can be made to Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna.

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.