MARION: Richard A. Bechtle, age 79 of Marion, Ohio passed away Monday, December 14, 2009 at Marion General Hospital. He was born April 27, 1930 in Marion, Ohio to the late Albert A. and Edith (Schneider) Bechtle.

On January 26, 1956 he married Wilda L. (Mayhugh) Bechtle, she preceded him in death on April 9, 2002.

Richard was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. Was a member of the Salvation Army where he worked in the food pantry, volunteered at Love Inc., member of the Marion Aries and V.F.W. post 7201 where he was the commander.

He was employed at the former Tecumseh Products and retired from M.C.I. after ten years as a correction officer.

He is survived by a son, Stephen A. (Sharon) Bechtle of Columbus, OH; a daughter, Margaret A. (Robert) Schreck of Marion, OH; three grandchildren; one great grandchild; a sister, Mary (Charles) Smith of Orient, OH; and one niece.

A Memorial service will be held Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army (317 W. Church St.) with Maj. James Sayer and Brett Gleespen officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Boyd-Born Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for the family.