William Eugene Sechler (Gene), age 82, of Wichita, KS joined his Lord and Savior in Heaven on January 22, 2024. Gene was an only child, born Friday, July 18, 1941, to Kathryn and Clarence Sechler.
Gene was in the Air Force when he met the love of his life, Kathleen (Kathy) Peterson. They were both born in Horton, KS. They were married January 20, 1962 in Hiawatha, KS and were married for 62 years. They proudly had one son, Bradley Eugene Sechler, September 12, 1962. They moved to Wichita, KS shortly after their marriage and Gene began a career in the aircraft industry. He was respected for his integrity and hard work by all. Working at Boeing, Beech Aircraft, Bombardier Learjet (where he received awards while working on the space shuttle) and Triumph (where he taught his trade to others).
Gene enjoyed many hobbies through the years. Building and flying RC airplanes, collecting 0 gage model trains and displaying them in his train room, Building miniature houses and accessories with Kathy. They enjoyed traveling and he especially enjoyed golfing with friends. Gene was a Mason for years. Gene and Kathy were members of Woodlawn Christian Church, where he was a Deacon, Countryside Christian Church and then Central Christian Church. They had many close friends in the Encouragers Class. Both enjoyed helping at His Helping Hands and their ministry for years. Gene’s example of true faith was shown in the many years he fought cancer.
Gene is survived by his wife, Kathy Sechler, son, Brad Sechler (Dawn) Double Oak, TX, grandchildren, Tyler Sechler, Kansas City, MO, Karley Sechler Cook (Taylor) Frisco, TX, sister-n-law, Pam Peterson, El Mirage, AZ, niece, Jessica Kennedy, Surprise, AZ and nephew, Brett Davis, Glendale, AZ.
Gene was preceded in death by his father, Clarence W. Sechler, mother Kathryn M. Richard Sechler and niece, Heather Hiatt.
A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held February 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha. Shane Spangler will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.
Friends may call at the funeral home after noon until 5 p.m. Friday and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Memories and Sympathy may be shared for the Sechler family online at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to their friends and those that have supported them throughout this time.
