David Bichler

David Bichler, 86, of Dalton, died Wednesday at home. He was the husband of Virginia Mae Byrd, who died in 1986.

Born in Taylor, son of the late Gustave and Mamie Curtis Bichler, he was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a resident of Dalton all of his life and, before retirement, he was a self-employed contractor. He was a member of VFW Post 7069, Clarks Summit, and a man of Methodist faith.

He enjoyed working in his yard, bowling at the Waverly Community House and playing cards.

Surviving are two daughters, Beverly Peckham and husband, Robert, Carlisle; and Deborah Bichler and companion, Robert Kern, Lake Winola; two sons, David and wife, Gayle, Waverly; and Russell and wife, Kim, Clarks Summit; a brother, Robert and wife, Evelyn, Buffalo N.Y.; two sisters, Jean Melville, Chinchilla, and Mary Swienckowski, Torrington, Conn.; a sister-in-law, Josephine Bichler, Chinchilla; eight grandchildren, Amy Frey, Robyn Ginther, Mark Peckham, Russell Bichler, Brandon Bichler, Heather Gatz, Courtney Bichler and Nicholas Bichler; and a companion, Reginia Panulla.

He also was preceded in death by a daughter, Virginia Joyce; three brothers, Earl, Charles and Gus; and a sister, Mabel Salmons.

A special thank you to his card-playing buddies, especially Ed Antoine.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, with the Rev. Barbara Snyder, pastor, Waverly United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call Friday, 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, 10 until service time. Memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 29119, Phoenix, AZ 85038; or the donor's favorite charity. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.lawrenceeyoung funeralhome.com.