Mayor, City of Columbus
April 9, 1973 to April 9, 1979

William Anthony Kuchar was born in Weimar, Texas on May 20, 1919.  He came to Columbus to work for Colorado County Agricultural Service Conservation, then spent eleven years, with an interruption for service in the United States Army, as deputy and chief deputy clerk of Colorado County.  In 1954, he accepted a position at Colorado County Federal Savings & Loan Association.  He retired as an executive vice-president on February 1, 1988.

Before being elected mayor, Mr. Kuchar served on the city council from 1969 through 1973.  He was sworn in as mayor on April 9, 1973, and served until April 9, 1979.  During his tenure the city purchased the old Columbus hospital and converted it into the new city hall, constructed a new municipal library, the Nesbitt Memorial Library, drilled a new water well, expanded the sewer system, and extended the city limits to the west.  Mr. Kuchar returned to city government in 1983, again taking a seat on the city council.  He served as alderman until 1991.  He died on July 27, 1997.

In addition to his work in city government, Mr. Kuchar served as grand-knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2971, post commander and adjutant of American Legion Post 383, and president of the Columbus Rotary Club, all organizations in which he retained his active membership.  He was also an associate member of the Sheriff's Association of Texas, a life member of the Magnolia Homes Tour, Inc., and a member of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.  The last organization named him Citizen of the Year in 1990.  He was a member of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, serving as its secretary-treasurer for 20 years. He also helped to organize and served as director of Columbus Crime Stoppers, and served on the Columbus Community Hospital board of directors.