Richard Ernest Drechsler

Richard Ernest Drechsler, age 86, of Clinton, Maryland died peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of sixty one years, Barbara Behrens Drechsler. Richard was born July 9, 1934 and raised in Washington, DC, son of the late Carl William Drechsler, Sr. and Anna Agnes Drechsler. He was lovingly raised by his late Great Aunt Amelia Holtz Fitzpatrick and Great Uncle Michael Aloysius Fitzpatrick. Richard was preceded in death by his stepmother, Hildegarde Josephine Drechsler, and siblings: Carl Henry Drechsler, Albert (Frances) Drechsler, Carl (Clara) Drechsler Jr., George (Carolyn) Drechsler, Elsie Pugh, Thomas Drechsler, Mary Louise (Elton) Baltimore, and Gerald (Deborah) Drechsler. He is survived by his wife Barbara; his brother Robert Drechsler, sister Jane Ellen Drechsler, and sister-in-law Ann Drechsler; his sons Kurt Drechsler, Sr. (Joi Daubach) and Mark (Patricia) Drechsler; grandchildren Kurt Drechsler, Jr., Michael Drechsler (Nicole Millman), Sara (Larry) Brown, Nicholas Drechsler, Abigail Drechsler (Jack Sanford), and Matthew (Leslie) Drechsler; great grandchild Hunter Drechsler; and former daughter-in-law Robyn Winship; as well as honorary son Dennis (Genei) Bougher; and honorary grandchildren Kristen, Emily, and Christopher Bougher. Richard was a Christian and lifetime member of St Matthew’s Lutheran Church, selflessly serving as Treasurer for over 35 years. He brought joy to many singing in the choir with his talented vocal gift. He proudly attended Eastern High School in the graduating class of 1952, then completed his Accounting degree at Benjamin Franklin University: School of Business, which is now a part of George Washington University. Starting in 1952, he worked his way up from the mailroom to retiring as Vice President of Data Processing at Acacia Mutual Insurance Company in 1990. During that time, Richard was drafted and served in the US Army in Germany from 1957-1959. One of Richard’s greatest joys in life was his marriage to Barbara Ann Behrens on December 19, 1959. During their sixty one incredible years together, they generously and actively participated in the Hummel Club, Concord Club, Association of Oldest Inhabitants of the District of Columbia, German Society of Maryland, German-American Society, Smithsonian Associates, Kennedy Center, and Fifty Plus Club of Eastern High School, where Richard held many top officer positions. Richard’s hobbies also included traveling overseas, cruises, and he especially enjoyed his time at Nags Head, North Carolina. He was a collector of Hummels, movies, and David Winter Cottages. He also enjoyed painting, reading, and beautifying the yard. The family will have a PRIVATE service at this time and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and mailed to Mary Essex, Financial Secretary at 2002 Trafalgar Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744 or at www.FirstTrinityStMatthew.org ; or to Feeding America at www.FeedingAmerica.org . To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard Ernest Drechsler please visit our Sympathy Store.