William John Mechler, affectionately known as Bill to his friends, passed away on June 27, 2013, at the age of 86. He was the son of John Henry and Josephine Zinsmeyer Mechler and was born on December 3, 1926. William lived a life of service to others. He began his service to others by serving as a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Making it back safely, William returned home where he would serve again, this time in the role of husband. He met Agnes Becker, and, on Sept. 4, 1950, they wed. William worked hard as a rancher and farmer through most of his life, providing for his wife and five daughters. He added butcher to his resume when he moved to Sabinal and opened Bill's Smokehouse. It was after retiring in Sabinal that William would be called on to serve again, as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 284. While Scoutmaster he was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, getting his Vigil honor. He helped seven boys become Eagle Scouts. It was also during this time that William joined the Sabinal Lions Club, where he became Lion Bill. Lion Bill served his club in different capacities, including president and District 2A-2, as both regional and zone chairman, as well as on the hearing board. His service to the community and the district as a Lions Club Member were recognized when he was inducted into the Lions Club Hall of Fame. He also received the Helen Keller Award. In the past few years, William would also help fight hunger through his work with Helping Hands, where he served as president. William also received many titles and awards for his dedicated service to the community. William was preceded in death by his father, John Henry Mechler and mother Josephine Zinsmeyer Mechler; two sisters, Martha Bippert and Elsie Tschirhart; two brothers-in-law, Alvin Tschirhart and Harold Bippert; two brothers, Herman Joseph Mechler and Henry Lee Allen Mechler; one sister-in-law, Mable Mechler; and son-in-law, William Austin Smart. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Agnes Mechler; daughters, Barbara Smart and husband James E. Smart, Dorothy Smart, April Mechler, Sharon Mechler, Debbie Mechler-Contreras and husband Santiago Contreras Jr.; grandchildren, Christopher William Yeschke and wife Valerie, Curtis Yeschke, Melissa Smart, and Johnny Smart, Abigail Annafaith Mechler, James E. Smart Jr., Clint Smart, Santiago Contreras III, and Yvonne and Joe Miller; two nieces, Linda and Carol Mechler; great-grandchildren, Michael Smart, Madison Smart, Liberty Yeschke, Caleb Yeschke, Jacob Smart and Hannah Smart, Mckayla Smart, Walter Smart, Holly Smart, and Syra Smart; and many more nieces, nephews, and friends. The rosary and funeral will be held on July 11, 2013. The rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the funeral will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery.