Obituary: Echelbarger, Chester Milton
He had recently moved to the facility from his home of 65 years on 25th Ave.
He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of 60 years, Donna Echelbarger; his children, Karen (Richard) Sackett, Susan (Daniel) Marsh, Thomas (Denise) Echelbarger, John Echelbarger; six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; and many friends.
He was born and raised in Spokane, the son of Jasper and Elizebath (Wing) Echelbarger and remained a lifelong resident.
He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and went on to become a refrigeration engineer.
He met his wife, Donna, at a roller skating rink and they were married in 1950.
He worked at Darigold, Rainier Brewing Company, and completed his career at Deaconess Hospital, Spokane where he retired as Physical Plant Manager.
He was someone who could fix anything and was called upon by family and friends to assist with various projects.
He enjoyed fixing and repairing appliances, woodworking, and assisted family with home remodeling projects.
He was a great story teller and loved to tell stories.
He was a lifelong member of the Audobon Park Lodge, #272 and just recently had received his 55 year pin as a Master Mason.
He was a Past Master and a Past Deputy to the Grand Master of Washington.
He was a member of the El Katif Patrol Shrine Temple and marched with the El Katif Shrine Arab Patrol.
He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason with the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Spokane.
He was faithful with his lodge and he and Donna attended every function.
He spent many hours volunteering his time at the Shriner’s Children Hospital in Spokane.
He also volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels and served the homeless at Central Methodist Church.
He was an avid blood donor and continually looked for ways to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Elizebath, brother Howard, and sisters Mary Rodgers, Pearl Graham, Betty Sloan and Minnie Craig.
He was known for his generous heart and met friends everywhere he went.
There will be no services at his request.
He will be buried next to his family at the Fairmont Cemetery, Spokane.