Captain William C. Kohler, 84, longtime resident of Laguna Hills, passed away on October 8, 2014. Bill was born November 4, 1929 in Buffalo, New York, to William David Kohler and Elizabeth Barnes and in 1947 graduated from South Park High School, South Buffalo, NY. In 1948, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps and was ordered to Perris Island, S.C. He retired 25 years later in March 1973 as a Captain. During his years of service Captain Kohler was awarded the following military honors: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Presidential Citation Ribbon; Marine Good Conduct Medal; Navy Occupation Service medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. Bill's 25 years in the USMC taught him honor, leadership, respect, character and dedication – qualities he kept his entire life.

While in the Corps, Bill joined the National Exchange Club and was a Charter Member of the Saddleback Valley Exchange Club. His efforts were rewarded as he became the Chapter President, Area Governor, and President of the California-Nevada District. His talent and dedication took him to the National Exchange Club Board as a Board Member. In October of 2013 Bill was inducted into the Court of Honor at the National Exchange Club Headquarters in Toledo, Ohio where his name is inscribed on the Court of Honor pylons.

On October 10, 1998, Bill married Marilyn McCabe Kohler and together they devoted their time and energy to National Exchange and the Ms. Senior California of America Pageant Program. For 13 years Bill was the co-director of the Ms. Senior California Program and emceed over 200 programs. Although Bill and his wife Marilyn retired in 2012 they remained involved in both organizations.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Beth Kohler and Grandsons Trevor and Scott (Ken) of Aptos, California. Bill was also "Big Daddy" to daughters Gale Gainey (Henry) from Georgia; Jana Vida (Ray) from Arizona; and Lorraine Russell, from Las Vegas. He also extended his love to Marilyn's grandchildren: Amber Gainey Meade (Tim), Ginger Gainey, Zack Espinoza, Lori Espinoza, Westley Espinoza, Darrin Grogan, and Casey Grogan (Anne). Bill also had two sisters, Emma and Constance, both deceased.

Mrs. Marilyn Kohler requests - In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill's name to:

California-Nevada District Exchange Foundation

"Search for Talent Program"

c/o Mr. Ken Owens

1117 Franklin Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403