Donald L. Ecton

Mr. Donald L. Ecton, age 78 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Villa Marie Nursing Center. Donald was born March 27, 1933, in Elston, Mo., the son of Willis F. and Eula M. Surface Ecton. A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Donald was employed as a drywall finisher in construction for many years. He was then employed in the coil winding department with A.B.B. for 20 years prior to his retirement in 1996. Donald served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Survivors include: two sons, Don F. Ecton and his wife Lisa of Jefferson City, Mo. and Jeffrey D. Ecton of Farmington, Mo.; two grandsons, Eric W. Ecton and Joshua T. Ecton and his wife Morgan; four step-grandchildren, Kayla J. Blankenship, Karin L. Ratcliff and her husband Daniel, William K. Blankenship, and Kenton W. Blankenship; one great-grandchild, Hayley J. Ecton; three sisters, Ethel Biele of Jefferson City, Mo., Ruth Hutinger and her husband Jim of Jefferson City, Mo., and Beverly McCormick and her husband Lloyd of Wright City, Mo.; one brother, Gene Ecton and his wife Billie of Harvester, Mo.; one half-brother, Bert Ecton; one half-sister, Loretta Campbell; and one step-sister, Connie Rabe. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willis Ecton Jr. and Robert Ecton; one sister, Verna McKinney; one infant brother, Jack Ecton; and one grandson, Michael L. Ecton. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2011. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2011, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Joshua Hartley officiating. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be conducted at the Enloe Cemetery near Russellville, Mo. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com