Brian Esch

(From Berna Funeral Home)

Brian Edwin Esch, 63, devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, and friend, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024, surrounded by family at home in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Brian was born July 24, 1960 in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the son of David Esch and Masolyne Owens Esch. Brian attended St. Mary’s Colgan Schools in Pittsburg, Kansas.

While attending high school, Brian lettered in baseball, basketball, football, and tennis, and was part of the 1978 graduating class. Also while attending high school, Brian met his wife, Marla Carpino of Pittsburg. They both went on to attend Pittsburg State University and were married May 18, 1984, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church of Pittsburg. Brian and Marla have two children, Anthony and Margaret, and were married for forty years.

Brian worked for Prudential Life Insurance Company in both Southeast Kansas and Joplin, Missouri. Brian had a close relationship with his uncle, Pete Esch, and later, Brian became an integral part of the Esch Group with Sonic Drive-ins. 

During his 38 years in Sonic, Brian was a trusted advisor, role model, and humbly carried himself with confidence. Brian trained, mentored, and instilled his business-smarts in employees and colleagues, many of whom are still in the group today. Brian was a goal-oriented man with excellent communication skills, respected work ethic, and a true passion for the business.

Brian enjoyed vacationing with his family, spending time at the lake, fishing, and watching baseball. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and he will be remembered for his determination, big heart, smile, and sense of humor.

Brian is survived by his wife, Marla; son Anthony Esch and wife Devin of Corinth, TX; daughter Margaret Esch Anglin and husband Cody of Bentonville, AR; his mother Masolyne Owens Esch of Joplin, MO; brother, David Esch Jr. of St. Louis, MO; brother Mark Esch of Webb City, MO; sister Tammie Esch Vlach and husband Chris of Bonner Springs, KS; and grandchildren, Hattie Anglin, William Esch, Breck Anglin, Isabella Esch, and Truitt Anglin.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, David Esch; brother, Steven Esch; niece Melissa Esch; and father-in-law, William Carpino.

A rosary will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Rogers, AR followed by a visitation until 7:00 PM. A funeral mass to celebrate Brian's life will take place at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church of Bentonville, AR. Graveside services will be held at Bentonville Cemetery, immediately following mass. The family will receive friends following the graveside services at a luncheon at St. Stephen’s. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a tribute donation in Brian’s name at curepsp.org.