Earl Robert (Bob) Lechner passed away peacefully at his Castlewood apartment in Nixa on Thursday, January 24, 2019.  He was 91.

Born on November 19, 1927, Lechner was one of seven children born to Ed and Lena Lechner of Verona, Missouri.  After graduating high school from Verona in 1945, he was inducted into the Army, where he served a tour of duty in Korea until 1947.

Upon returning from overseas, Lechner enrolled in Southwest Missouri State University where he majored in physical education and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1950.  After graduation, he began his career as a coach and teacher in Sarcoxie, Missouri, where he served three years, and at Miller School for two years.  Lechner then accepted a position with the Springfield Public School District where he taught and coached for one year and Study Junior High before moving to Parkview for two years and then to Hillcrest for five years.   Lechner left Hillcrest to accept the position of head football coach at the then new Glendale High School, where he taught and coached for 10 years. (1963-1972)

While head coach, Lechner lead the Falcons to five conference championships racking up 68 wins, 28 losses and two ties.  He was named Quarterback Club Coach of the Year on five occasions and was also the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Coach of the Year in 1965.  Lechner was similarly named runner-up for Missouri Coach of the Year in 1965.

In addition to football, Lechner also coached the Falcons' boys and girls golf teams.  Under his leadership, the boys team won one state championship and the girls team won three consecutive state championships.  Both teams also won many conference and district titles.  When he wasn't coaching, Lechner officiated basketball and football becoming one of the top referees in the area.  During this time, he refereed many state playoff games as well as the Blue and Gold Tournament for close to 20 years.

Lechner was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Lena; his wife, Judy; his brothers, Edward (Cook), Bernard (Bun) and Gerald; his sisters, Dorothy Smith, Betty Kelsey, and Stella Montgomery.  He is survived by one brother, Clarence (Snags) Lechner of Aurora, Missouri, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 1, 2019 in Immaculate Conception Church with Father Thomas Kiefer celebrant, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery in Verona, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials contributions may be made to Freedom Foundation, 803 South Carnations Drive, Aurora, MO 65605.