Billy Lechler of McGregor went to be with the Lord Sunday night, December 30, 2012, at the age of 81. Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Cole Funeral Home Chapel, 1113 West Fifth Street, McGregor with Rev. Carol Hambrick officiating. Interment will follow in McGregor Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday at Cole Funeral Home.
Mr. Lechler was born March 9, 1931, in McGregor, Texas, the son of the late Joe and Clara Ruth( Marshall) Lechler. He was a 1949 graduate of McGregor High School where he was on the football and basketball teams and ran track. On August 13, 1952, he married the former Mary Beth Lofland. After thirty-seven years of marriage, she preceded him in death June 20, 1990. From January 1, 1951 until his honorable discharge November 1, 1954, he served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.
Mr. Lechler was employed by General Tire and Rubber Company in Waco as a tire builder. Later McGregor Milling and Grain employed him as a supervisor. In 1996, he retired from Esco as a supervisor after thirty-three years of service to the grain business. He was a member of College Avenue Baptist Church where he served on the church fellowship committee. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren during their sporting events and farming, ranching and working with his cattle.
Also preceding him in death were a brother, Elmer Lechler and a grandson, Adam White.
Survivors include three daughters, Marilyn White and husband David of Temple, Dana Henderson and husband Tom of Clifton, Lisa O’Leary and husband Tim of Waco; two brothers, Edwin Lechler and wife Margaret of McGregor, Edward Lechler and wife Dottie of Wharton; a sister, Frances Younce and husband Eddie of Oglesby; six grandchildren, Shay Etler, T.J. Henderson, Zac Henderson, Hali Bell, Katy Kimmey, Kort O’Leary; two great grandchildren, Austin Iven and Addyson Etler.
For those desiring, the family has suggested the Alzheimers Association, 3429 Executive Center Dr., Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78731 for memorial contributions.
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