Francis {Butch} L. Kehler Sr

Francis L. “Butch” Kehler Jr., 71, of Centre St., Ashland, passed away Saturday, December 22^nd, at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, Lebanon.

Born in Hegins, March 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Francis L. and Elsie Carl Kehler Sr.  He was a graduate of the former Ashland Area High School, class of 1966, and was immediately drafted by the U.S. Army.  Francis served in Vietnam as a Para Trooper with the 5^th Air Borne Special Forces Group, attaining the rank of Sergeant.  He earned the National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Metal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Air Metal, Combat Infantryman’s Metal, and the Purple Heart on September 14, 1968, for wounds received in combat action.

Francis was a member of the Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, Ashland, were he served as church stuart and church treasurer.  He owned and operated Francis Kehler Contracting Company, Ashland, until his retirement, His other memberships included the American Hose Company, V.F.W. Post #7654, American Legion Post #434, and the Good Fellowship Club, all of Ashland.

Preceding him in death was his wife of 42 years, Judith Ann Kehler, passing in December of 2010, also sisters Gloria Schoffler, Geraldine Leese, Rita Wright, and Loraine Sliger.

Survivors

Daughter:  Dawn Kehler, Ashland

Son:  Francis L. Kehler III, and his fiancé Diane Kutsko

Companion:  Betty Deeter, Ashland

Sister:  Jeanette Metzinger, Bloomsburg

Sister:  Jean Bower, Cleona

Sister:  Grace Sloan, Lake Panasoffkee, Florida

Sister:  Debbie wife of Terry Schoffler, Gordon

Brother:  Clair Kehler and his companion Alice, Hegins

Brother in Law:  Burd Wentzel and his wife Sandy, Ashland

Five Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service, Wednesday, December 26^th, at 5 PM, in the Bethany Congregation Church, 13^th and Market Sts., Ashland.  Officiating will be Rev. Denis Snyder, pastor.  A viewing will be held in the church beginning at 3 PM until service.  Interment will be in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Bethany Congregational Church, 13^th and Market Sts., Ashland, PA,.  17921.  Visit www.Fritzfuneralhome.com.  The Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, Ashland, is in charge of arrangements.

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