William “Brownie” Echler, 79

William “Brownie” Echler, 79 of Bryan passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at his son’s home in Columbus, Indiana.   He was born on May 4, 1944 in Bryan to Vernise and Leota E. (Walter) Echler.  He was a graduate of Montpelier High School.  On September 21, 1963 he married Mary Jane Bleikamp and she preceded him in death in February of 2010.

Brownie was a union maintenance electrician at Challenge Cook in Bryan until its closing and then worked for IBEW Union Electricians in various places around the country.  He was a member at the Eagles and the Moose in both Bryan and in Montpelier.

He is survived by a son Jeffrey (Rhonda) Echler of Columbus, Indiana; daughter in-law Anna Echler of Metamora, Ohio; brother Raymond (Sue) Echler of Edon; four grandchildren Sarah (Adam) Hornack, Ruthie Echler, Jon Raney and Jessica (Josh) Taylor; five great grandchildren AJ, Cora and Eddie Hornack Jaxx Raney, and Adalynn Taylor.

Brownie was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, son Jacob “Jake” Echler, four brothers and five sisters.

Visitation hours for Brownie will be on Monday, June 12, 2023 from 5-8 pm at Thompson Funeral Home on Main Street in Montpelier.  Services will be on Tuesday at 11 am at the funeral home with the interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mooseheart or CHP Hospice.