ROBERT WALTER "Waldo" ECHOLS Jr.

Fort Worth, Texas – Robert Walter Echols Jr., a lifelong Mason, TCU ex-letterman and active Shriner, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, March 16.  He was 93.

Walter graduated from Poly High School in 1949 and Texas Christian University in 1954, where he earned 11 letters as an athletic trainer.  He was a past president of the Quing Club (a TCU alumni organization) and a former member of the TCU National Alumni Board.

Waldo, as he was known to many of his friends, married Pat Lawhon in 1955 at University Christian Church.  He was an active member of the church, serving as an Elder, a member of the Board of Stewards and on several committees.

He was a Communications Officer in the U. S. Navy, making extended trips to the Far East.  After his naval service, Walter worked in television production for WBAP TV.  He was an Associate Producer of the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City for 11 years and Executive Producer of the Miss Texas Pageant for 14 years.  While living in Miami, he served on the Orange Bowl Parade committee.

Early in his business career, he was selected as on of five Outstanding Jaycees in the nation.   His professional business career included years in advertising/public relations, primarily at Goodman & Associates and Witherspoon & Associates Advertising/Public Relations.

Walter was a Past Potentate of Moslah Shrine and Past Captain of the Moslah Shrine Patrol, leading them to a National Championship.  He was a 50-year member of Tarrant Masonic Lodge #942, A.F. & A.M., and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court #32.

A Past President of Woodhaven Country Club, Walter was an avid (average) golfer, a Little League coach and was a “Popcorn Technician” at Baylor All Saints Hospital for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Lawhon Echols, whom he married in 1955, and his daughters, Wendy Echols and Robin Law.

A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at 11 am Saturday, March 23, in the Sanctuary of University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive.  Past Potentates of Moslah Shrine will serve as Honorary Bearers.  The service will be livestreamed at www.universitychristian.org/live.

In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o Moslah Shriners, Post Office Box 1320, Fort Worth, TX 76101-1320, in his memory, is suggested.