Echols, Graham pass away

Deana Echols, the longtime executive secretary of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association, died on May 11. Her death was confirmed by Terri Hoffrogge, who is now the ATBHA’s executive secretary. Echols was 76.

Echols, who grew up in racing, was a constant in the ATBHA offices located near the stable gate at Oaklawn. She managed the ATBHA, organized its annual banquet, and also helped organize the banquet put on by the Racetrack Chaplaincy of Arkansas.

The pallbearers for Echols included Bill McDowell, a perennial leading breeder in Arkansas, according to an obituary from Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. The honorary pallbearers included board members of both the ATBHA and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of Arkansas.

Meanwhile, Charles W. Graham, a veterinarian and member of both the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame and the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame, died on June 21 at his home in Elgin, Texas, according to an obituary from Providence Jones Funeral Home. He was 92.

Graham owned and operated Elgin Veterinary Hospital and the Southwest Stallion Station. He also was a co-owner of Heritage Place, the auction house in Oklahoma City.

◗ The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association awarded five college scholarships worth $2,000 each during Saturday night’s races at Delta Downs in Vinton, La., according to a press release. The LQHBA scholarship program has now awarded students more than $950,000.

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