OBITUARY
Billy Lechler
March 9, 1931 – December 30, 2012
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.
Services
- Visitation Wednesday, January 2, 2013
- Funeral Service Thursday, January 3, 2013
REMEMBERING
Billy Lechler
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RECEIVE UPDATESSandra Hartsell
February 1, 2013
Prayers, love & gentle hugs to you all.
Kenneth & Sandra Hartsell
Brenda & Tommy Bovee
Bettie Smith
January 6, 2013
I was so sorry to hear of your dads passing. It is so hard to lose the one who has been in your life the longest. I know he is rejoicing with Mary Beth now. You're all in my prayers, Bettie Gail
Darlene (Holt) Morin
January 4, 2013
Sorry for your loss, my prayers go out to the entire Lechler family.
Stanley Peveto
January 3, 2013
Lechler Family, Billy was a joy to be around. I first meet him in 1972 when I worked at McGregor Milling and Grain. He was a good man and great person to be around.
January 3, 2013
Lisa, Dana and Marilyn and the entire wonderful Lechler family - John and I are truly sadden to hear the news about your Daddy. May our Loving, Caring and Giving Heavenly Father bring you much comfort and peace. Please let us know if we can do anything for you. In HIS love, Donna and John Hall, Amber and John Harrison, Cody and Ginny Hall
Karla Childers
January 3, 2013
Dana, Lisa and Marilyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these hard times. God Bless and peace be with you.
Karla
January 3, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Fred Bridger
Mitch Connell
January 2, 2013
I send my condolences and prayers out to Marilyn and family during your time of sorrow.
Candy Lewallen
January 2, 2013
My thoughts and prayers for the family at this time
Candy Finkenbinder Lewallen
January 2, 2013
Marilyn, Dana and Lisa
This is so sad. Bill (and Mary Beth) were special people in my life and I have so many fond memories of growing up across the street from your family.
David and I have you and your families in our prayers.
Elaine Lippe
David and Barbie (Berger) Christian
January 2, 2013
To Dear Lisa, Dana, Marilyn and the Lechler family,
Please accept our sincere condolences at the loss of your dad and loved one. Mr. Lechler was a wonderful person, always supporting you at McGregor school functions, athletics and academic events. The online photos were so dear and bring smiles to all those who knew him. You're in our prayers at this difficult time.
Donna Zemanek
January 2, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Family of Calvin Adams (GT'45-'83):
Donna Adams Zemanek
Janet Adams Slaughter
Kathy Groppel
January 2, 2013
Thinking of all of you during these difficult times. Hold on to the memories that make you smile when you think of your dad. Your memories along with the strength from God will get you through these hard times.
Mitch & Teresa Johnson
January 2, 2013
We are praying for peace and comfort for you in you loss.
Your friends,
Mitch & Teresa Johnson
Ronny/Janet Bredemeyer
January 2, 2013
To the Lechler Family and many friends. We are very sorry to see/read about Billy's passing. He was a good man, gentleman, and a Christian. He contributed a lot for the betterment of McGregor all of his life. May GOD be with you all. We celebrate his life, mourn his passing, and rejoice that he has made it into Heaven. Please remember all of the good times you have had with him, and may the good LORD get you through your sorrow at this time. GOD bless. Ronny Bredemeyer(formerly of McGregor).
Wayne Wiese
January 2, 2013
Bill was one of my dad's best friends. He did so much for my parents--everything he could. There was no one like him who could climb the storage bins. Wonderful guy, he will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
January 2, 2013
Bill was my first real boss - besides my mom. I worked for him at Mcgregor Milling & Grain. He taught me valuable lessons. Work hard, work smart, and know you are expected to earn your paycheck. He had a look that could melt steel - but he also had a great humor too. He was a good man and i looked up to him - thanks Bill for helping mold me into what i am today. RIP. E YEAGER
Pam Pledger
January 2, 2013
Jonathon and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Precious Dad. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We Love You,
Pam Pledger and Jonathon Pledger
Donna and Wayne Garner
January 2, 2013
Are hearts are saddened over the passing of Bill Lechler, but we know he is dancing with the Lord and singing with the angels. May God give all of you the peace that passeth all understanding as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one from this earth, but we know you are rejoicing that he is safe and secure in the loving arms of Jesus. -- Donna and Wayne Garner
January 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. I am thinking about you girls. Gerda mc gregor
Sue Anderson
January 1, 2013
Billy and my late husband, Earl, grew up together in McGregor. Earl always held him in the highest regard and greatly respected him. Please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with all the Lechler family. May you each experience God's comfort and peace.
Amy Christie
January 1, 2013
All our love, prayers, and blessings to you all....
Corey and Amy Christie
Kimy Weston
January 1, 2013
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family. God bless you.
January 1, 2013
Marilyn, Dana, and Lisa and all of your families we want to express our heart felt sadness for your loss. Good bless you and we will be praying for you to have the strength to get through these hard times.
Pat and Jean Patterson
Margaret Berger-Sinkule
January 1, 2013
Dear Dana, Marilyn and Lisa,
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your dad, Billy. I always had the highest respect for your dad as we were younger. He mentored and spent so much time with you in school sports. We all looked up to him. Please know you are in our mind and hearts.
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IN THE CARE OF