Obituary of Paul Lee Echols

Paul Lee Echols, age 69 of Broken Bow, OK passed away March 30, 2012 at Broken Bow Rehab and Health Center. He was born February 26, 1943 in Old Hochatown, OK to Homer “Slick” and Emma (Davison) Echols. Paul graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1960 and left the next day to join the Navy. After he was discharged from the Navy he lived in California for a short time and later moved to Houston, TX where he lived most of his life. But, he always wanted to return to the country so when he retired he moved to New Ulm, TX. In August 2010 he moved back to McCurtain County. Paul admired the beauty of Broken Bow Lake, but always said it covered over the most beautiful valley he had ever seen. He was affiliated with Good News Fellowship Church in Broken Bow, OK. His favorite hobby was gardening. Paul began working with photography and film production in the Navy. After the Navy he became a Film Director and Cameraman at N.A.S.A. for several years. He began making commercial film and video tape production in 1970. He later started his own film/video production company “Contemporary Productions.” His work took him all over the world. He produced Documentary Films for major universities and retired in 2007. Paul received a Silver TELLY award in 1992 and a bronze TELLY award in 1995 for documentaries he filmed and produced. After retirement he started a second career in house painting. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Donald and George Echols; and a sister Verba Wilson. Paul leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Ima Jo Wood Echols; daughters, Robin and husband, Trent Bryant of Kansas City, MO and Marsha and husband Dr. Roger Barker of Cameron, AR; step-sons, Michael Wood and his wife, Cathy of Mt. Herman, OK and David Wood of Gordonville, TX; grandsons, Trey Bryant, Brody Barker, Jared Barker, and Jesse Barker; step-grandchildren, Justin Wood, Dylan Wood, Paden Wood, Jonah Wood, and Cydney Wood; brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Sue Echols of Taylor, AZ and brother-in-law, Howard Wilson of Muskogee, OK; special friends, Wayne and Mary Carroll of Texarkana, AR, Eddie and Kay Marx of New Ulm, TX and Marty Hart, Missouri City, TX; and many other family members and friends. Memorial Services will be held at the Good News Fellowship Church in Broken Bow, OK on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with Doug Deramus and Billy “Bo” Dale officiating.