Norman E. Echler, Sr., 81, of Montpelier passed away at his home Friday evening surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 9, 1935 in Montpelier to Vernise and Leota (Walters) Echler. Norm proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He married Mary Olive Cooper and she preceded him in death.
Norm worked for the City of Bryan for the Street Department and the Williams County Highway Department. He was also self-employed cleaning and trimming trees in the area. Later in life he was known for his accomplished wood working skills and his famous caramel corn.
He is survived by five children, David (Newauna) Echler, Sr. of Montpelier, Norman Echler, Jr. of Bryan, Barbara (Clinton) Dean of Oak Hill, Ohio, Anthony (Melissa) Echler of Oak Hill, and Randall Echler of Pioneer; one son-in-law Jerry (Phyllis) Smith of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; fourteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; special friend Donna Stutzman of Wauseon; two brothers, Raymond (Sue) Echler of Edon and William “Brownie” Echler of Bryan; and one sister Gertrude (Forrest) Brown of Camden, Michigan.
Norm was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, one daughter Roxanne Smith, three brothers and four sisters.
Visitation for Norm will be on Friday, November 25th from 3-7pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street in Montpelier. Services will be on Saturday at 11am at the Montpelier Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Daniel Coutz to officiate. Interment will follow at Shiffler Cemetery in rural Bryan with military graveside rites by the Montpelier Veterans.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Montpelier Church of the Nazarene Teen Quizzing or to CHP Hospice. Condolences may be left at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com
