Born on January 30, 1935, in Fort Smith, Mont was the son of Mont Sandels Echols Sr. and Carmelita Sicard Echols. He graduated from St. Anne’s Academy in 1953 where he played “iron man” football sporting a classic leather helmet. He went on to earn a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1958. Mont proudly served in the Air National Guard of Arkansas.
In 1959, he began his 66-year career at First National Bank of Fort Smith. Over the years, he became a trailblazer in banking innovation—leading the way in branch banking, overseeing the shift from handwritten ledgers to computer systems, and introducing the bank’s first ATM in 1976. He also helped celebrate the bank’s 100-year anniversary in 1972 and its 150-year anniversary in 2022. Following the passing of Sam M. Sicard in 2011, Mont was named Chairman of the Board for both First National Bank and First Bank Corp. He also served as a board member of the St. Edward’s Foundation.
A devoted member of Christ the King Parish, he was an avid sportsman who spent his spare time hunting duck, dove, and quail, as well as bass fishing on Lake Ouachita, where he had been a member of the Ouachita Wilderness Club since the 1960s. He was also a passionate Razorback fan and a loyal supporter of Notre Dame. Mont will be remembered for his quick wit and spirited nature, qualities that brought joy and light to those around him. His sharp sense of humor made him both a delight in conversation and a cherished presence in the lives of family and friends.
Mont is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Perthenia Ann Buchanan Echols; his children, Mont Echols III of Maui, HI, Elizabeth Echols of Tulsa, OK, Katherine (Mark) Ahrens of Chicago, IL, and Michael (Martha) Echols of Fort Smith; and ten grandchildren, Courtney (Austin) Bourdeaux, Ashley (Daniel) Lucas, Mont “Guy” Echols IV, Thomas Echols, Molly Ahrens, Ella (Matt) Ratliff, Claire Ahrens, Lillie Ahrens, Madalyn Echols, and Mallory Echols. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Caroline Bourdeaux, Charles “Tripp” Bourdeaux, Jane Lucas, and Emma Lucas.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral Mass will follow on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, with private interment at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.
Pallbearers will be Mont Echols IV, Thomas Echols, Mark Ahrens, Austin Bourdeaux, Daniel Lucas, Matt Ratliff, Sam T. Sicard, and Ben Buergler. Honorary pallbearers include the directors, officers, and employees of First National Bank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 2112 S. Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (ctkparishfs.com); United Way of Fort Smith Area, 120 North 13th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (unitedwayfortsmith.org); or to a charity of your choice.
