Donald Ray Bechtel, 66, of Odon, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side, Saturday at 10:19 a.m.
He was born Feb. 23, 1950, in Daviess County, to Harry Bechtel of Odon and Bonnie Kinser of Washington. He graduated from Elnora High School in 1968. He married the love of his life, Cindy J. Flinn, on July 7, 1972, and they spent almost 44 years together.
Don worked for Solar Sources for 35 years. His favorite things to do were motorcycle riding and spending time with his kids and grandkids, who were his pride and joy. He was a member of the Shiloh Church of God and worked as a coal miner until his retirement in January 2016.
Don is survived by his wife and soulmate, Cindy; a son, Clayton Donald (Ashley) Bechtel; a daughter, Stephanie Jo (Mark) Arnold; and grandchildren, Danyelle and Brayton Long of Odon, and Keeley Arnold of Ellettsville. Don is also survived by his father and stepmother, Harry and Martha Bechtel of Odon; his mother and stepfather, Bonnie and Herman Kinser of Washington; a sister, Donna Mae Carpenter of Washington; a brother, Marty (Kamell) Bechtel of Clayton; two stepsisters, Rhonda (John) Phillips of Tennessee and Debby Rollins of Bedford; three stepbrothers, Mike (Lisa) Flater of Bloomfield, Roger (Gracie) Flater of Texas, and Steve (Carol) Kinser of Bedford; a sister-in-law, Vickie (Dave) Bricker of Carmel; and two brothers-in-law, Brett (Tanya) Flinn and Greg (Betty) Flinn, both of Odon; and mother-in-law, Almeda Flinn of Odon. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Don is preceded in death by two sisters, Lena Kay Pruett and Betty Ann Bechtel.
Funeral services will take place at the Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon on Thursday at 11 a.m., with Pastor Steve Sims officiating. Don will be laid to rest in Kilgore Cemetery in Raglesville following the service.
Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to Helping Hearts Hospice in Washington, per family request. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
All arrangements have been entrusted to James W. Meng Jr. and the Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.
