William "Bill" Franklin Braucher

William “Bill” Franklin Braucher

An Avid Outdoorsman -

William “Bill” Franklin Braucher, age 88, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Somerset, died surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 17, 2021.  Bill was born on Wednesday, April 12, 1933, in Somerset to the late Urias D. Braucher and Carlotta (Pritz) Braucher.  Bill was the widower of Saundra Marie (Myers) Braucher, whom he married on May 22, 1954, and who died on October 21, 2016. In addition to his parents and wife, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, James Braucher.

Bill’s survivors include his three children: Rev. Dr. Keith Owen Braucher and wife, Marsha, of Stewartstown, Kendra Marie Shade and husband, Keith, of East Berlin, Kimberly “Kim” Irene Erdman and husband, Troy, of Enola; His four grandchildren: Paige Erdman, Allison Braucher, Morgan Erdman and Alexis Erdman; and his niece, Kathy Berkebile.

Bill grew up in Chambersburg and was active in music and theatre in High School. After High School, Bill became engaged to Saundra, his high school sweetheart, right before joining the Air Force. After a three-year deployment in the Philippians, during the Korean War; they were married two weeks after his return. Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting on the GI bill at what was then the Shippensburg Teachers College. He worked for a variety of state government offices in Harrisburg throughout his career with his favorite being Comptroller of Pennsylvania State Police.

Bill loved the outdoors especially deer hunting. He enjoyed fly fishing, tying his own flies, and while healthy, he and Saundra camped more than they were home. He was an avid football fan and even attended the high school football games after his children had graduated. He was an active member of Shiremanstown United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and held a variety of offices.

Bill would always say his greatest joy was his family and could never have the family together often enough. He would always end telephone conversations saying, “Bye for now.” Bill was a man of faith who believed that after this life he would be reunited with loved ones. So those who know, and love Bill also say, “Bye…..for now.”

All are welcome to join Bill’s family at his Gathering of Family and Friends on Thursday, October 28, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. until time of Service at 12:30 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with his son, Rev. Dr. Keith Owen Braucher officiating.   Bill’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Interment will be at a later date in Norland Cemetery in Chambersburg.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Bill’s life can be made to Stewartstown Food Pantry, c/o Stewartstown United Methodist Church, 26 South Main Street, Stewartstown, PA  17363.

Bill’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Bill’s full obituary, view his memorial video and photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.