Burl E. Klingler

Burl E. Klingler, 79, of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at The Laurels of Defiance. Born in Paulding, Ohio, on April 7, 1946, to Alva and Anna Klingler, he married Debra Helms on June 2, 1972. She preceded him in death.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Burl worked for several years as a security guard with Coastal Security and Logan Security. He was known for speaking his mind and found joy in hunting, fishing, dirt racing, and working with leather. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who deeply cherished the time spent with his family.

Burl is survived by his children, Troy (Samantha) Klingler of Defiance and Brandy (John) Abner of Winchester, Kentucky; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Bev Oskey and Sharon (Duane) Bailey of Paulding, and Shirley Reece of Napoleon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Debra, and his sister Louise Sinn.