Lawrence (Zeke) E. Echnoz, 94, of 685 Peach St., Meadville, died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center.

Born in Meadville, July 10, 1914, he was a son of Edward J. and Isabel Detrick Echnoz. He married Viola Thompson, Feb. 14, 1945; she preceded him in death April 14, 1983. He married Lucile Jewell, Oct. 4, 1986.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having been stationed in Italy. He graduated from Meadville Commercial College and had attended Edinboro College. He retired as a fireman battalion chief after 32 years and served as a county real estate appraiser for 30 years.

He enjoyed gardening and woodworking.

He was a member of St. Brigid Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lucile, of Meadville; three stepchildren, Leslie Blake and her husband, Gary, of New Richmond, Pamela Shade and her husband, Doug Dahl, of Ithaca, N.Y., and John Shade and his wife, Valerie, of Pittsburgh; and a niece, Lois Ann Orsini.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Viola; a sister, Ruth Ross; and a brother, Kenneth Echnoz.

Calling hours are today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Roofner-Collins Funeral Home Inc., 544 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 383 Arch St., Meadville, with Father Mark O’Hern of St. Brigid as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Brigid Cemetery, West Mead Township.