Oliver "Bill" William Kahler III

Oliver William Kahler, III was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 26, 1946. Affectionately known to everyone as Bill, he was a devoted husband, father, proud veteran, and retired police officer. He passed peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ruth Kahler, and sister, Joan Kahler.

Bill served in the US Army from 1966 to 1969, including a year of service in Vietnam in military intelligence. His service to his country led to a lifelong commitment to service in his community.

Bill dedicated much of his life to law enforcement, proudly serving for 31 years as a Baltimore County Police Officer, rising to the rank of Seargent in the Community Outreach unit. During his service, he received Unit Citations, the Amtrak Award, three Department Certificates of Appreciation, and was trained in motorcycle and bike patrol. His commitment to community service and the safety of others earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and the community alike throughout his career. He was honored for his dedication to community policing in Catonsville by serving as marshal of the Catonsville 4th of July Parade upon his retirement.

Bill cherished time outdoors and found joy in boating and fishing with his family. In his retirement, he worked at Ocean City Fishing Center and bought the boat he had been dreaming of. He shared many memorable moments with loved ones on the water and was happiest with a fishing rod in his hand. He was active in the Lions Club of Ocean City during retirement, leading vision screenings for elementary schools across the lower Eastern Shore, and earning many awards for community service, including Lion of the Year in 2008-2009.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Ann Kahler, loving daughter, Karyn Lyn Shackelford (David), and cherished grandchildren, Abigail Shackelford and Carter Shackelford. He will be missed by his dear siblings, Ruth Butler (the late Linwood), Beverly Kopf (James), Jacalyn Hoffman, and Michael Kahler (Deborah), his numerous nieces and nephews, and many other caring family and friends.

Bill’s quiet warmth and unwavering dedication will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charlestown Benevolent Care Fund or the Charlestown Scholars’ Fund in Bill’s name.

Family and friends may gather on July 6, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am for a memorial gathering at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, 711 Maiden Choice Ln, Catonsville, MD 21228 with mass taking place at 11:00am. Private Interment will take place at a later date at the Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228.