Fred Echterling

Frederick “Fred” Michael Echterling left his earthly body on May 24th at the age of 80. Services will be 11 am Tuesday, May 28, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home 3124 Robinson Dr. with Bro. Bo Faulkner officiating. The family will receive visitors Monday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.
He was the son of Frank Echterling and Cecelia Bixenman of Hammond, IN. Fred was the 7th of 8 children born on August 22, 1932. Fred was raised on the outskirts of Chicago; was drafted into the Army during the Korean War; and returned from the war working a short time at Standard Oil. He and his brother, Donald, partnered in the construction field to build homes in 1954. After a couple of years the brothers went their own ways in construction thus leading Fred to Waco. Fred’s sister & brother-in-law, Eleanor & HW “Buster” Walker, lived in Waco and Fred’s dislike of cold weather made Waco a perfect fit.
Not having to build basements and the ready workforce of the Walker nephews, Fred happily focused on custom homes in the Waco area primarily in Robinson. Fred remained a bachelor until a remodel job for his sister’s friend and neighbor led him to marry Violet Fowler where they remained married for 17 years. He enjoyed building homes with a hands-on touch and traveling during his down time. He partnered with his son in 1997 and formed Echterling Builders Inc. Fred turned over the reigns and retired in 2002 returning to travel often to visit his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed golf, Texas Hold’em, playing cards with friends, and his re-kindled relationship with Violet.
Fred had a wonderful attitude and outlook on life never knowing a stranger and always making friends. He leaves behind a legacy of putting others first and to never jump to conclusions. He remained close with Violet’s children and grandchildren and cherished those relationships.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul, Donald, and William, and grandson Ryan.
He is survived by son, Bert and wife, Charis; four grandchildren – Michael, Brennon, Corbin, & Grace of Robinson; brother, Earl Echterling and wife Anne; sisters, Eleanor Walker, Loretta Wolak and husband Rudy and Dorothy Sweet.
The Echterling family would like to thank Providence Hospice for their compassionate care and ask in lieu of flowers to please make a memorial donation to Providence Hospice.