George Enos Sechler

Crowley – George Sechler, 92, passed away on Friday August 5, 2011. Celebration of Life: 9:00 A.M. Saturday at St. Matthew Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Burleson. George Sechler was born in China Grove, North Carolina on October 5, 1918. George was the 7th child of 11 children of Calvin and Carrie Sechler.  He grew up in a strong Christian home in the country.  The family was very close and supportive of each other. The Sechler family was very talented.  Music was definitely in their blood. As a young boy, George started teaching himself music and learning to play the violin, better known as the fiddle. It wasn’t uncommon to hear the whole family playing instruments and singing song in the evenings after the chores on their farm were done.  In 1935, at the age of 17, George and his brothers band, The Yodeling Rangers, received greater exposure when they began performing on a daily show for WSTP radio in Salisbury, North Carolina, which broadcasted the show on several other radio stations across the state.  In 1937, the Yodeling Rangers became known as the Trail Riders and performed throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia. On February 27, 1942, George Sechler joined the Army to fight for his country leaving his music, home, and loved ones behind.  World War II would change his life forever. He was a brave man and the love for his country was strong. On January 12, 1946, George was Honorably Discharged from the Army of the United States as a Staff Sargent.  He was squad leader in the 79th Infantry Division in charge of 12 men.  He was responsible for seeing that the men kept their equipment and weapons in good condition and was in charge of the squad while in combat.  He served in the European theater for 14 months and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation and two battle stars. In California, just before his discharge, George met the girl of his dreams, Betty Jane Flanigan-later to become Betty Jane Sechler. They were married on August 9, 1947.  It would have been their 64 year anniversary this August. I have never met another couple so much in love and so compatible with each other as they were.  This couple adored each other and treated each with the utmost respect. Not a single day went by that each didn’t say how much they loved the other.  George and Betty were truly an inspiration to everyone who was fortunate enough to come in contact with them.  Long daily walks on the beach was a special time for both.  Gorgeous George is what Betty called the love of her life. George started his own business shortly after they were married.  Sechler Refrigeration was a successful business with work that he put so much into and loved doing.  He was an honest and loyal repairman with a reputation that spread fast. Besides his love for Betty was the love he had for his children.  Joel Delburt Sechler, Dwayne George Sechler, and Jill Robin Sechler. Family came first and his involvement in each of our lives showed that.  His encouragement and support for art, music, sports and family time has become a goal to follow as I raise my children. His passion for music was strong.  He has written hundreds of songs and played a multitude of instruments ranging from his fiddle, mandolin guitar, banjo to piano.  His talents were remarkable.  George also loved sports of all kinds including NASCAR, baseball, football, basketball, and golf.  He would cheer on his favorite teams and of course Jeff Gordon number 24 in NASCAR racing. George’s expectations were high for his family, but his love and support were always there making all of us who we are today.  Even though George, better known as Papa, has gone to be with the Lord, he is still in our hearts and thoughts daily. George is preceded in death by his wife, Betty who passed away on September 1, 2009. Those left to cherish his memory; sons, Joel Sechler and Dwayne Sechler; daughter, Robin Roselle and husband, Sam; grandsons, Jamie, Wesley and Joshua; granddaughters, Ashley, Tiffany, Stephanie and Jennifer.