Wendel J. "Bircky"Birckbichler, 82, of Mabank, Texas, died Wednesday in Athens, Texas.

Born Aug. 1, 1926, in Butler, he was the son of the late Clarence Birckbichler and the late Marie Miller.

He was a member of the Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Malakoff, Texas.

Mr. Birckbichler was a mechanic and farmer.

Surviving are his wife, Thelma Birckbichler; his sons, John Birckbichler, Robert Birckbichler, Dennis Birckbichler, Michael Birckbichler, Guy Birckbichler, Raymond Birckbichler, Timothy Birckbichler, Thomas Birckbichler and Jeremy Sumney; his daughters, Donna Shea, Jane Moore and Kay Moore; a sister, Rita Shera; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Sumney.

<B>BIRCKBICHLER</B> — A Mass of Christian burial for Wendel J. "Bircky"Birckbichler, who died Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008, was celebrated Saturday at the Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Malakoff, Texas, with Father McLaughlin officiating. Burial was at the Mary Queen of Heaven Cemetery.Arrangements were handled by the <B>Tomlinson Funeral Home</B>, Malakoff, Texas.