Barack Echols

Barack Shem Owango Echols of Flossmoor died of natural causes on July 10, 2026 at the age of 57. He was born on August 21, 1968 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He was raised in rural Wedron, Illinois with his three siblings "out in the country" where the family raised chickens, milked cows, and learned the value of animals and the gifts they bring.

He graduated from Marquette High School in Ottawa, Illinois and paused his education to enlist in the United States Army. He served as a Spanish linguist and earned the award of "Soldier of the Year" for the Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM).

Barack went on to earn three degrees from the University of Chicago, his last one a law degree.  He spent nearly 25 years practicing law, earning a reputation as a tenacious litigator that specialized in antitrust law. He volunteered countless hours promoting diversity in the legal profession and supporting causes that inspired the underserved to fulfill their educational dreams.

In 1998, he married Heidi Yernberg and the couple had three children, Annika, Celia, and Tetsnanu ("Teddy"). His children were his pride and joy, and they spent many years traveling, hosting big family events, and watching movies together. The family took many memorable trips, including to United States National Parks, London and Paris, Mexico City, and Kenya. Above all, Barack's favorite pastime was cheering on his beloved White Sox (always at "Comiskey") with his kids, his mom, and his entire family.

In 2020, he married Violet Diaz, who remains a beloved "bonus mom" to his children. They lived life to the fullest in downtown Chicago, idyllic suburban Flossmoor, and sunny California, near Violet's daughters and grandchildren. Barack embraced his role as stepfather to Vanessa and Jessica and especially cherished being known as "Bear Bear" to the twin grandchildren, Bella and Bryson.

Barack is survived by his children, Annika (Bruno) Govea of La Plata, Argentina, Celia and Tetsnanu of Riverside; his mother Sandra Hansen of Crete; his siblings William (Renee) Echols of Wedron, Sandy (Gary) Huffman of rural Kewanee, Christine (Rich) Meyer of Marseilles,  and Brian, Jerry and Jackie Kassim Owango of Nairobi, Kenya; 6 nieces and 1 nephew: Wesley (Megan), Brandy (Sean), Meghan, Elizabeth, Emily, Kayley, and Kaycie; Heidi Yernberg of Riverside; Violet Diaz of Pasadena, California, and Vanessa, Jessica, Bella and Bryson. He is preceded in death by his father, Godfrey Kassim Owango, his stepfather (his "papa"), William Echols, his maternal grandparents Norman Hansen and Virginia Hansen Gordon, and his longtime friend, Sal Termini.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Chicago Scholars, the University of Chicago Law School, or a charity of your choice. His loved ones take comfort in the sure knowledge that he is now surrounded by the peace that surpasses all understanding in his final rest.

Resting at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home on Thursday July 16, 2026 from 9am until the time of prayers at 11am. Funeral Mass at St. Veronica Church (formerly Infant Jesus of Prague Church) in Flossmoor. Interment to follow with full Military Honor at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois at 1:30pm. For additional information please contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.