Cody Wayne Echols

To know Cody was to love him. He was a kind and generous spirit with a passion for life. He held his family and friends near and dear to his heart. He was a beloved son, the best big brother, and a truly good man. Words cannot properly express how deeply he will be missed.

Cody Wayne Echols began his journey in this life at St. Joe’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado on April 2nd, 1997. His parents, David Wayne Echols and Conya Elaine Hoedel, were delighted to welcome a beautiful baby boy into the world. Cody was a quiet child but even as a young boy had a kind heart. He was so proud to become a big brother when his sister, Amanda, came along. Cody and Amanda were always together seeing what they could get into. His heart grew as his blended family brought him another sister, Whitney, and later, little Emily.

Cody went to school in Brighton, Colorado and graduated from Brighton High School in 2015. As a young adult, Cody explored many different work opportunities. Most recently, he was building a career with Xcel Energy and making long-term plans for the life that lay ahead of him. Cody was a hard worker and a man of great principal. He was always the first in and the last out. He took pride in everything he did and valued the results of his work.

On the surface, Cody looked like a cowboy, in his jeans and boots, his black cowboy hat, and his shiny belt buckle. He most certainly was one of the “good ol boys”. But he was so much more than that. Cody was an artist. He loved to draw. He was a dancer. He loved music and going to concerts. He was a an athlete, playing football and running track in high school and learning to snowboard later on. He was a gamer. He was also a musician, teaching himself to play the guitar. He loved to cook and was great at it. He cared about his health and fitness and enjoyed the time he spent at the gym. He loved to be outdoors, camping, fishing and hunting or just shooting for fun with his friends. Cody was a dreamer. He had this zest for life and for truly living.

When we lost Cody, the world lost a truly incredible person. He had that kind of gentle magnetism that made children and animals gravitate to him. Cody was kind beyond measure. He was so generous that he would give his last dime or the shirt off his back if someone were in need. He was also generous with his heart and giving of his time. He never knew met a stranger as they always turned out to be new friends. He was well humored and could make anyone smile or laugh. He would always lend an ear or a shoulder to a friend and spend time talking or joking around or just hanging out.

Cody truly was the best big brother. He loved his little sisters dearly and later, his little nieces as well. When he started earning “big boy money”, he wanted to help support his sisters and to spoil them. When they were younger, Cody, Amanda, and Whitney loved to stay up late watching movies or playing video games. They loved the prank wars they waged on each other. They remained close, even living in different states. He loved his baby sister, Emily, and though they were many years apart in age, were so closely connected.

Cody loved his family and friends. And they loved him. The world weeps as it says goodbye to such a lovely young man who had so many years of life and love ahead of him.

Cody will live forever in the hearts and memories of his parents, David & Mindy Echols, and Conya & Gary Hoedel; his sisters, Amanda Jordan (and her husband, Kolby), Whitney Minter, and Emily Echols, and his nieces, Addison and Eleanor Jordan. His memory is also cherished by his grandparents, Vickie Spencer in Texas, Terrie Echols, also in Texas, Jan & Lee Ward in Montana, Gary & Jeanie Hoedel in Colorado, and Rick & Wilma Minter in Arizona. His great-grandma & grandpa, Martha & Freeman Grizzard of Texas also survive him. Along with his family, Cody leaves behind a large community of close friends who loved him and share the pain of his losing him.

A Celebration of Cody's Life was held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Resthaven Funeral Home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Jeans and cowboy hats were worn proudly in Cody's honor. His family so appreciates all those came to remember Cody together, those that shared memories, sent cards or flowers and otherwise shared their love of Cody Wayne. Sweet memories of Cody and words of kindness for his family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.