Thursday, May 15, 2014

A. L. Bechtold Jr.

(From Parker Mortuary)

A. L. Bechhold, Jr. peacefully passed to the Lord on May 14, 2014, at the age of 91. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Wanda June Bechhold. Also surviving are sister, Doris Brock, of Missouri; son, Dennis Bechhold and his wife, Donna, of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Carol Robertson and her husband, Keith, of Monroe, La.; son, Craig Bechhold and his wife, Nancy, of Craig, Colo.; daughter, Teresa Hill, of San Antonio; and son, Kevin Bechhold. In addition to sons and daughters, A.L. had 10 grandchildren, Michelle Neber, Melissa Rust, Cynthia Hawkins, Alicia VanBuren, Bradley Robertson, Amie Wheeler, Kipp Bechhold, Lisa Bechhold, Kyle Bechhold, Courtney Cross; and many greatgrandchildren; and greatgreat- grandchildren.

Born on Feb. 18, 1923, A. L. was a long-time resident of the Joplin area. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he was a deacon and treasurer for many years. During World War II he served in the Navy as a Torpedoman and an Investigator and performed shorepatrol duties. He was also a life-long member of the VFW. Following the war, he worked as a Ford mechanic in Joplin until his retirement. Some of A. L.'s interests included hunting, fishing, shooting skeet, playing his organ, riding his beloved horses Blondie and Mindy and in his younger years, pitching for a local softball team. Two of his most memorable trips were to Hawaii, where he and June had gone to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary and to the World War II Memorial, which he visited with family members. In the latter months of his life, he enjoyed going out into the sunshine and strolling the grounds of the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home where he could eat the fresh, sweet pecans that had fallen from the trees.

Though A. L. will be dearly missed, he leaves his family memories of many special moments. He was devoted to his family.

Services are planned for Monday, May 19, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Parker Mortuary, Joplin. Pastor Phillip McClendon will be officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Parker Chapel on May 19.

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