Obie Laverne (Verne) Echols, M.D.

May 9, 1924 - November 21, 2020

Obie Laverne (Verne) Echols, 96, of Port Neches, Texas passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020 at his residence. Dr. Echols was born May 9, 1924 in Rosboro, Arkansas to Obie H. Echols and Bernice Williams Echols. He was a 65-year resident of Port Neches and a member of First United Methodist Church in Port Neches, where he taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. Dr. Echols practiced medicine for more than 30 years in Port Neches. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a member of a B-29 bomber crew that flew more than 30 combat missions. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Port Neches. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Curtis Matthys officiating under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Port Neches. Entombment will occur at a later date at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches. Dr. Echols was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Jean (Dottie) Eads Echols, sister Ginger Pennington, brother Billy Boyd Echols, and grandson Michael Oliver. Surviving relatives include daughters Diane Echols Countryman and husband Wayne of Port Arthur, Texas, and Amy Echols Cranford and husband Curtis of Tomball, Texas; son John Echols and wife Elaine of Murrysville, Pennsylvania; sister Judith Echols White and husband Larry of Texarkana, Texas; grandchildren Ed Cranford and wife Katherine, Jesse Cranford, Bryan Cranford and wife Tori, Meghan Cranford, Lauren Echols, and Connor Echols; granddaughter-in-law Rachel Oliver; and six great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Port Neches, 1826 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651.