William Earl Kahlich of Hereford, TX travelled home on August 5, 2022.  He was known by many names, "Bill", "William Earl", "Willie Merle", "Dad" and "Grandpa".  Like his names, he wore many hats during his 83 years on this earth.  Dad was a little bit of everything and an oxymoron of sorts – farmer, rancher, vet, carpenter, plumber, electrician, teacher, comedian, realist, history buff, encyclopedia of knowledge, master duct tape and bailing wire mechanic, but most importantly, husband, father, grandpa, and friend.  He served a 2-year stint in the Army from 1957-1958, but since he didn't see action, never considered himself worthy of being called a "veteran".  He retired from delivering rural mail after 30 years, but he didn't just deliver mail.  He pulled out countless people stuck on the road, made welfare checks on elderly folks on his route, and just watched out for people.  Dad also sold insurance and served on the board of directors for Catholic Life Insurance Union, served on various committees at church and tended to the church cemetery for several years.  He was a quiet servant – never wanted a fuss.  He was always willing to offer advice (William Earl wisdom, as we called it), most times unsolicited, but it was because he had high expectations, wanted to see everyone succeed in life, and just plain cared about people.  He was very proud of his farm, pond, conservation efforts (which he won an award or two for) and enjoyed passing on his way of living to his family and all he met.  He never met a stranger, and often we were heard saying, "Who's he talking to now?".  Dad might have been the most open-minded closed-minded person to walk the earth.  He enjoyed anything agriculture, learning, reading, talking politics, always being right, and not tolerating stupidity.

The late Arthur and Frances (Demel) Kahlich's "golden child" was born on September 2, 1938, in Slaton, Texas.  Dad met his bride to be, Marilyn (Kitten) Kahlich on the same day, not knowing that she would be the love of his life, mother of his children, best friend, and his only worry prior to leaving this earth.  They were married 21 years later, on October 7, 1959, in Hereford, TX.

His brothers and sisters – Lloyd Kahlich and wife, Cathleen (deceased) of Savannah, GA; Junell Schilling and husband, Edward & Jeann Foerster and husband, Gene (all deceased); Janice Kitten and husband, Roger, and Robert Kahlich and wife, Debbie, all of Slaton, TX - soon found that Dad was the favorite and he never let them forget it.  I'm sure they were also the victims and audience of his wicked sense of humor.  Oh, the stories they've told…

Dad and Mom spent 63 years together building a family of successful, thoughtful, caring, hard-working, independent, and loyal children – Phillip Eugene Kahlich (deceased), Phyllis Cornelius of Amarillo, TX, Chris Kahlich and wife, Laurie, of Hereford, TX; Suzanne Butcher and husband, Mike, of Arcadia, KS; Tricia Thompson and husband, Charles, of Amarillo, TX.  They are smart, kind, funny, empathetic smartasses because of him and were with him to the end.  When faced with a choice or challenge, we often heard "it's six of one, half a dozen of the other".

He so enjoyed his grandchildren - Chance Cornelius; Taylor Cornelius and fiancé, Abby; Glenn Kahlich and wife, Megan; Phillip Kahlich and wife, Danielle; Megan Amershek and husband, Justin; Nichole Butcher and fiancé, Dennis; Abby Butcher; Cale Maupin and wife, Jessi; Quinn Maupin and fiancé, Michelle; Calvin Thompson and wife, Ashton; Coltin Thompson and fiancé, Megan.  During his last weeks with them, it wasn't unusual to hear "kick their ass", "who the hell are you", "go get another game ball", "take care of him/her", "I'm so proud of you", or various other inspirational messages or ribbing being tossed around with his usual grin.  He loved them fiercely and was immensely proud to be their grandpa, as were they to call him that.

No matter how down he might be or what he had on his mind, anytime his great-grandchildren – Addison, Sadence & Tripp Kahlich; Kyndal & Graham Kahlich; and Henry Thompson - entered the room, he lit up and showered them with attention.  He never didn't have time for them.  He would do things for them he'd never do for his children and was quick to get teary-eyed at their successes or just by their being there.  He was always taking them for rides on the gator, helping wash their show steers, or just being present and talking.

Dad's life will be memorialized and celebrated with a family visitation on Monday, August 8, 6:00 PM with a rosary to follow at 7:00 PM at Mendez and Mullins Funeral Home in Hereford Texas.  After a funeral mass on Tuesday, August 9, 10:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hereford, TX, he will be laid to rest in the pine box, which "is all anyone needs", at St. Anthony's Cemetery in Hereford, TX.   In lieu of flowers, Dad would be proud to see donations in his name to Hereford Junior Livestock Show, BSA Hospice, or any hospice of your choice.  Or just don your suspenders and ball cap, hand out a smile, start a conversation with a stranger, and just be friendly and kind, like Dad.   We can't believe he's gone, but it is what it is…