Jones Otis Eckols, 93, of Driftwood was born April 23, 1917 and passed away April 4, 2011.
He is survived by his wife Marie, his daughter Merrie Jean Peters and son-in-law Dennis, his daughter Elizabeth Griffin and son-in-law Mike, grandchildren Emily Dominy, Lauren Peters and husband Darren, Jason Dominy and wife Tessa, Blair Peters and husband Doug, great-granddaughter Olivia Dominy, sister Lois Puryear, sister-in-law, Edith Eckols, extended family and many, many friends.
Jones was first and foremost a family man and friend to all. Jones spent his early years in Driftwood, and then later spent nine years in the army serving time in Germany and Brazil. While a teenager he met the love of his life, Marie Spaw. March 29, 2011 they celebrated their 70th anniversary with family and friends. After leaving the army, Jones and Marie spent 47 years in Port Arthur, Texas where Jones worked in the automobile business. While in Port Arthur, he made many lifelong friends. The last 19 years were spent in the Dripping Springs, Driftwood area reuniting with old friends and making new ones. The Driftwood United Methodist Church became a source of joy and fellowship. He will be missed. Jones’ passion in life was growing and sharing plants, flowers and vegetables. If told it couldn’t be grown, he would find a way to grow it. He was a source of knowledge to others far and wide and a renowned storyteller. Strangers often mistook his home for a garden park. Jones’ favorite quote to his family was, “If a task is once begun, never leave it ‘til it’s done. Be it great or be it small, do it well or not at all.” Jones, Daddy, Big Daddy, job well done.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at Driftwood United Methodist Church with Pastor Carl Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Driftwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are Tommy Eckols, Shelby Eckols, Sherman Eckols, Steve Gremillion, Darren Rimmer and Doug Krebs. Memorial contributions may be made to Driftwood United Methodist Church, 15090 W. FM 150, Driftwood, Texas 78617.
