Christopher L. Egler

Christopher L. Egler, age 62, passed into his heavenly home Dec. 31, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Chris was born Christmas Day, 1954 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He grew up there, graduating from Floyd Central High School in Floyd Knobs, Indiana in 1972. As a child, his parents and three siblings would head to Lake Cumberland or Lake Dale Hollow to camp and fish every summer. His love for fishing never left him. His fondest childhood memories were on those lakes and time spent on his grandparents’ small farm. Chris loved spending weekends and all his free time fishing with friends on Lake Okeechobee.

After moving to Florida, Chris started his career at Bill Currie Ford in Sarasota. He soon headed to Bradenton and worked for Bill Graham Ford, which became AutoNation. He worked there for over 30 years. While there he started the fleet department. Later he moved to Sarasota Ford where he worked until he became ill. Chris became one of the top salesmen in the country because he made his customers his #1 priority.

Because of his competitive spirit and passion for fishing and boating, Chris started bass fishing tournaments between many of his “fishing buddies”. When he married his wife Sue in 2000, they decided to grow the tournaments and donate the proceeds to local charities. In 11 years, with the sponsorship of local businesses and loyal volunteers, “Bass4Bucks” was able to raise over $180,000 for 3 local charities: Manatee Children’s Services (for abused children), Manasota BUDS (Bringing UP Down Syndrome) and Manasota ARC (for disabled children and adults). He did this while still working full time at the Ford dealerships. One of the hardest things to accept when he was diagnosed with cancer was not being able to continue raising money for “The Kids”. Because of his hard work and dedication, he was recognized as one of the Magnetic Men of Manatee in 2011. He and Sue also received The Spirit Award of Manatee County for volunteerism in 2012.

He was predeceased by his loving parents, father Eugene Egler, his mother and step-father, Anna and Earl Kiefer. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Sue. He is also survived by his son Tod, children by heart Dave (Jenn) Vondenberger and Rebecca Altieri, grandchildren Jase Egler, Stephen and Andrew Altieri, sisters Carolyn (Ron) Schuur and Charlene (Dickie) Frakes, brother Cal (Kathy) and his step-mother Beverly Egler. He also was loved and will be missed by nieces, nephews, many extended family members and friends.

The family will recieve friends from 10-11 A.M. on Saturday, February 18, 2017 with a Celebration of Chris's life to follow at 11:00 A.M. in the main auditurum at Bradenton Christian School, 3304 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida 34209.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be given to Manatee Children’s Services, 1227 9th Ave. W. Bradenton, Fl. 34205, Manasota Buds, 8374 Market St., Box 113, Lakewood Ranch, FL   34202 or SMART (riding therapy for the handicapped and Wounded Warrior support), 4640 CR675 E, Bradenton, Fl. 34211 in his memory.

Chris will be remembered by his many friends and family for being a hardworking, giving, determined, funny, loving and simply one of a kind man. He set his goals high and was determined to achieve them in every aspect of his life.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation
2017-02-18 10:00:00
11:00:00
Bayside Community Church
15800 St. Rd 64 E
Bradenton
FL
34212


Celebration of Life
2017-02-18 11:00:00
Bradenton Christian School Auditurum
3304 43rd St. W.
Bradetnon
FL
34209