Ernest Paul Bruechner

Ernest Paul Bruechner died on October 23, 2024, just weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born on October 6, 1934, in Marshall, Texas, Paul was the son of Stella Todd and Amiel Ernest Bruechner. He graduated from Marshall High School, where he formed lifelong friendships which were celebrated over the years with extended weekends at Caddo Lake.

Paul attended Texas A&M University as a proud member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and was commissioned by the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England, he developed a thirst for travel and welcomed his two sons into the world, marking the beginning of his greatest adventure-fatherhood.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, Paul and his family moved to Dallas where the family grew with the addition of two daughters. While working at the Federal Reserve, he earned a law degree from Southern Methodist University. As a trust officer for First National Bank of Marshall, TX and Bank of America, Tyler, TX, Paul found great satisfaction nurturing relationships and helping families manage their estates and map out their dreams.



Paul served on various church and school boards and committees, most recently with Christ Church in Tyler, TX. In his spare time, he devoured history books and novels. When Paul retired at the youthful age of 75, he filled his days with long lunches and afternoons with friends. He delighted in the everyday moments: laughing with a server at his favorite restaurant, sharing a late night bowl of ice cream, chatting over "just one more cup of coffee." He was known for the twinkle in his eye, his kind, gentle demeanor and his open-door policy for stray pets (especially those delivered by his children and grandchildren who called him "Beach").

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha Murrell Bruechner, his son Ernest Paul Bruechner, Jr. and Susan McGee Bruechner, former wife and mother of his children.

The family will miss him dearly: his children Andy Bruechner (Lesley), Nonie Caruthers (Witt), Sallie Austin, daughter-in-law, Deedee Bruechner and grandchildren Clara Caruthers Reese (Riley), Maggie Caruthers Collins (Bryan), Frank Bruechner, Harrison Caruthers (London), Patrick Austin, Charlie Austin, Sam Bruechner, Joe Bruechner, Kate Bruechner, Harper Austin and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Judy Burns, nephew Tim Burns and nieces Cindy Booker and Sharon Fitzpatrick



The family would like to thank the caregiving team at Hidden Springs, McKinney, Texas for their patient and compassionate care. Memorial gifts may be made to Christ Church, Episcopal, Tyler, Texas or to the charity of one's choice. A service celebrating his life will be held at Christ Church Episcopal, 118 South Bois d'Arc, Tyler, TX, on Tuesday, November 26th at 11:00am.