Bradley B Buechler, age 72, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020. Brad was born on December 5, 1948, in St. Louis, son of the late Phillip and Mildred (ne Braun) Buechler. He was the loving and devoted husband to Stephanie (ne Walker) Buechler for more than 51 years and father to three beautiful children, Sheila (Brian) Charlton, Lisa (Daniel) Messmer, and Brian (Emily) Buechler. Brad’s seven grandkids, Abby and Maddy Charlton; Joel, Ashley, and Bailey Messmer; and Chase and Reese Buechler, were his pride and joy. He is also survived by a sister, several nephews, and other family members and friends.

Brad was a graduate of Normandy High School, serving as captain of the baseball team. He attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, where he met the love of his life, Stephanie, and he received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at University of Missouri–St. Louis. He had a very successful career in the plastics industry, serving as President and CEO for Spartech Corporation for more than 10 years. After retiring from the “corporate world” in 2006, Brad and his wife founded a charity, Action for Autism, to support local families with children touched by autism, inspired by their own two grandkids with autism. Brad unequivocally dedicated himself to this cause and worked tirelessly to establish two AFA Academy therapy and learning centers for kids on the autism spectrum, located in Wildwood and Ballwin. While Brad enjoyed his corporate job, AFA Academy will forever be his legacy, leaving his mark and helping future generations of children and families.

Brad enjoyed golf and snow skiing, and his love for his family manifested in the amazing travels he planned, most notably the family’s annual trips to The Masters Golf Tournament. When grandkids arrived, Brad’s favorite activity became spending time with them. He was a constant on the sidelines at their sporting events, enjoyed traveling with them, and never passed up the chance to spend a Saturday afternoon with his grandchildren. He had a zest for life and was a practical joker with unlimited energy. Always the life of the party, Brad cherished his family and friends alike and provided them with amazing, lifelong memories.

Brad will be deeply missed by family, his beloved dogs (Ariel and Penny), all his friends, and each of “his kids” at AFA Academy. Brad will always be with us in spirit and FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS, as we aspire to carry on Brad’s energy and passion in our own lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, honoring Brad’s legacy, may be made in support of the kids at Action for Autism (afastl.org).

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, honoring Brad’s legacy, may be made in support of the kids at Action for Autism (afastl.org) online or mailed to AFA at 265 Steamboat Lane, Ballwin, MO 63011.