Thomas Frank Bechtel's Obituary
Thomas “Tom” Frank Bechtel, devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2013 in Huntersville, NC. He was 77.
Tom was born on June 5, 1936 in Easton, PA to Frances and Helen Ricketts Bechtel. He graduated from Easton High School, Class of 1954 and received his B.S. In Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. Tom completed his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Most of his professional career in engineering was spent at the General Electric Company, where he received numerous awards for innovations in engineering. Prior to retirement, he was the Director of Research and Development for the Department of Energy in Morgantown, WV. He remained active since retirement as an engineering consultant and served on several company boards. Tom was an active member of St Andrews Lutheran Church in New Bern, NC. Community involvement included the Brotherhood of the Elks, New Bern Civitan Club, and NC Democratic Party. Tom was an avid sports fan and could often be found on the golf course. His greatest enjoyment was watching his grandchildren grow and wished the best for them.
Tom is survived in death by his wife Dolores Mills Bechtel and daughters Deborah Bechtel Blackwell(James), Lisa Bechtel Oehler, Jan Bechtel (Regina). Surviving grandchildren include Ashley Begley, Austin Blackwell, Avery Blackwell, Miles Oehler, Kylie Blackwell and Kelsey Blackwell. He is also survived by his sister Joanne Bechtel Behers.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM with Dr. Ted Rust officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A reception will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MERCI Clinic, Inc, 1315 Tatum Drive, New Bern NC 28560; North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 1988 Lutheran Synod Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144, or RCS, PO Box 704, 919 George Street, New Bern,NC, 28560.
James Funeral Home,Huntersville,NC is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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