William “Bill” F. Echler, 84, of Montpelier passed away Tuesday evening at Evergreen Manor Nursing Home in Montpelier. He was born on February 22, 1929 in West Unity, Ohio to Earl Ford and Nina May (Smith) Echler. Bill graduated from Montpelier High School in 1947, and then continued his education at Defiance College. Bill proudly served his country in the Ohio National Guard, Army 38 Infantry Division for four years. On April 30, 1950 he married Pauline R. Roush, and she survives.
Bill was very active in his community. He attended the First United Methodist Church, was a member of the American Legion Post 109 in Montpelier, past member of the Montpelier Rotary with 36 years of perfect attendance, member of the Montpelier Moose, Special Deputy Sherriff with the Williams County Sherriff’s Department for 35 years. He was also a life member and past president / treasurer of the Williams County Historical Society, Volunteer fireman for the Village of Montpelier, active with the Montpelier Tree Commission, involved with the Williams County Emergency Management Agency, Grand Marshall of Montpelier Bean Days in 1995. Bill was a Scout Master of Troop #25 of Montpelier and was involved in scouting for over 50 years; obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout with four palms in 1945. He made two trips to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Bill was also a member of the Montpelier Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and enjoyed being outdoors. Bill also owned and operated a Nationwide Insurance Agency in Montpelier from 1956 until his retirement in 1991.
Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Pauline; one daughter Marcia (Tom) Bidlack of Montpelier; two sons Ric (Barb) Echler of Montpelier and Kent Echler and Bill Shelton of Louisville, Kentucky; one sister Joyce (Lyle) Storrer of Traverse City, Michigan; one brother Van Echler of Montpelier; four grandchildren Ryan Bidlack, Lane (Lani) Bidlack, Joy (Ryan) Richmond and Ross (Melissa) Echler; and three great grandchildren, Brynn and Bryce Richmond and Jackson Bidlack.
Visitation hours for Bill will be on Friday September 6th from 3-7pm at the Wilson Geesey Funeral Home in Montpelier. Services will be on Saturday at 10:30am at the First United Methodist Church in Montpelier with Reverend Johnathan Hanover to officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier, with graveside military rites by the Montpelier Veterans. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Montpelier Tree Commission. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com