Robert "Leon" Echols, Sr. was born in Selma, Alabama on January 5, 1930, the son of Houser and Bessie (Merriman) Echols. The family moved to Springfield, Ohio at the early age of five. Leon, as he was affectionately called by many, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Springfield Regional Medical Center. Mr. Echols retired from Wright Patterson Air Force Base where he was a computer specialist. He was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he served as Elder, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Male Chorus, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Culinary Committee. Mr. Echols loved children and after retirement he was a volunteer at Perrin Woods Elementary School for twelve years where he coached intramural sports, after school programs and mentored many children. He also loved selling clothes and was well known throughout the community doing so. He was the leading salesman at both The Hub and at JC Penney. Mr. Echols was a member of Champion Lodge #15, Free and Accepted Masonsand Golden Star Chapter #1, Order of the Eastern Stars for over 40 years where he was Worshipful Master and Past Worthy Patron, and the Friends Club. He also served on numerous community boards and was involved in many civic organizations and activities. Mr. Echols leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Margaret (Jones), of 64 years; three children, one son, Robert, Jr. "Nicky" (Mildred) of Loganville, GA two daughters, Bonita Dover of Springfield and Stephanie Echols of Dayton; one brother, Houser, three sisters, Nona Fullen, Sharen Carter all of Springfield, and Paulette Echols of Lorton, VA, five grand-daughters, Shauna Dover of Bowie, MD, Makia (Jason) Harris of Burke, VA, Qualita Arnold of Tucker, GA , Ilana Tate of Nashville, TN and Raquel Jackson of Lithonia, GA and one great granddaughter, Kamryn and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Preceding him in death, his parents, two brothers, Patrick and Matthew and one sister, Karen. Visitation will be 5:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, December 11, 2015 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1171 S. Yellow Springs Street, Springfield, Ohio with Masonic Services beginning at 6:30pm. Funeral services for Robert Leon Echols, Sr. will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. in the Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1171 S. Yellow Springs Street, Springfield, Ohio with Pastor Olie Burton officiating. Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by the Robert C. Henry Funeral Home.