Alex Brechbuhler

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

Alex Fremont Daniel Brechbuhler, age 35, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Columbia, Missouri. He was born on March 23, 1990, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Stanley Lynn and Deborah Ann (McClanahan) Brechbuhler.

While growing up, Alex was actively involved as a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Boy Scout Troop 316, and the Aurora Band. He played trombone, baritone, and tuba, as well as the bass guitar. 

As a Boy Scout, he went with his troop on adventures to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico twice. He reached the level of Eagle Scout while in high school. After graduating in May 2008, he furthered his education at Columbia College, in Columbia, Missouri with an undergraduate degree in photography. He drew inspiration from the artists Ansel Adams and Andres Serrano. Columbia College did not have a band, but he was a member of the Jane Froman Singers all four years. With the Singers, he was able to travel to Austria and Italy. 

Alex went on to the University of Missouri for a graduate degree in teaching. Although he never pursued careers in art or education, they were passions that he held dear. Alex began working for the Missouri University Research Reactor while in college and held several different jobs within the organization. MURR, as it is known, focuses on nuclear research, including that for cancer medication. Alex's most recent job was as a Health Services Safety Lead, where his job was to "watch the radioactive material to make sure it didn't grow legs and walk away".

Alex is survived by his mother and stepfather, Debbie Brechbuhler and Dave Lucas, of Ocala, Florida; one sister, Annie and one niece Daisy, both of Ocala, Florida, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and other beloved extended family.

Alex was preceded in death by his father, Stan Brechbuhler; paternal grandparents, Gaylord and Norma Brechbuhler and maternal grandparents, Joe and Anna McClanahan,

A funeral service under the direction of Crafton-Cantrell Funeral in Aurora will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. Burial will follow at the Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made payable to the Alex Brechbuhler Scholarship Fund in care of the funeral home or the First Independent Bank in Aurora.

The family has requested for those attending to wear something purple, as that was Alex’s favorite color.