LAMESA - Carson Donnell Echols, 86 of Lamesa, died Nov. 11,2023 surrounded by his family. He was born to parents Carson and Lois Echols on Apr. 4, 1937 in Lamesa. He grew up on the family farm where he was still residing.
He graduated from Lamesa High School in 1955. He graduated from Texas Tech University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics. While in Tech he met Sharla Pepper. They were married after their graduation from Tech. They have three daughters Pepper, Paige, & Amber.
While attending Texas Tech Donnell was President of Student Body, President of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, President of Inter-Fraternity Council, Member of the Saddle Tramps, a member of the Texas Tech Rodeo team, and was also Mr. Texas Tech his senior year.
After graduation he served as President of Texas Tech Ex-Students Association, President/Board Chairman of Plains Cotton Growers, President/Board Chairman Dawson County Cotton Growers, Producer Delegate to National Cotton Council, Vice-Chairman of Producers Steering Committee of National Cotton Council, Vice President of Cotton Council International , Board and Secretary of Cotton Inc., Board of Textile Research Center of Texas Tech, Trustee of the Texas Tech Loyalty Fund, President of the Klondike School Board, President Area II Young Farmers Association, & Chairman of Lamesa Fair Association.
He was awarded with the Gerald Thomas Outstanding Agriculture Award from Texas Tech, 'Mr. Cotton' of Dawson County, Texas County Agents Association 'Man of the Year in Agriculture', and the 4-H Silver Spur Award, and also inducted into the Texas Tech Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Prior to his death he was a member of the Texas Tech Former Students Association, Texas Tech Century Club, Red Raider Club, Agriculture Economics Ex-Students Association, and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Lamesa, where he also taught Freshman boys Sunday School class for several years.
He is survived by his wife Sharla; daughters Pepper Echols of Lubbock, Paige Echols of Blanco, Amber Thorp of Fort Worth; grandchildren Kirby and Trevor Bibb, Kade and Reagan Benson, Alex Thorp, and Tatum Thorp; and five great grandchildren, Landry and Ryder Bibb, and Hardy, Holden, and Hayes Benson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Doty Johnson and Brother-In-Law Dr. Robert Johnson.
He was known for his love of God, family, farming, and horses. He and his wife Sharla were big supporters of Texas Tech where they were season football ticket holders for 64 years.
Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Branon Funeral Home. A private burial will be held for family prior to the memorial service. Services will be at First Baptist Church Lamesa, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., officiated by Brian Pinkerton and Pastor Jim Medley. Visitation will follow the service in the church parlor.