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Robert BECHTEL Obituary
Robert "Bob" Lee Bechtel, 91, of West Palm Beach, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2013. He was the second son of the late Herman John Bechtel and Alleta Townsend Bechtel, born March 18, 1922, in Waterloo, Iowa. He is survived by his wife of sixty-nine years, Etta Bridgeman Bechtel, and two children, Robert Thornton Bechtel (Sara), of West Palm Beach, and Rebecca Bechtel Nicholson (Robert), of Decatur, Georgia. Also surviving are his grandchildren, George Robert Bechtel and Grace Catherine Bechtel of West Palm Beach, and Gregg William Nicholson and Scott Bechtel Nicholson of Decatur, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Townsend Bechtel, of Melbourne, Florida.In the 1920's, Bob and his family relocated to Palm Beach County. As the youngest members of the Lake Worth Harmonica Band, Bob and his brother Jack marched in the inaugural parade at Herbert Hoover's inauguration. He graduated from Lake Worth High School and was an early graduate of Palm Beach Junior College. He soon entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and was trained as a radio operator briefly during WWII. In 1946, Bob joined the family business, Bechtel Jewelers Inc., established in 1930 by his father. He worked there his entire career and earned the title of Certified Gemologist (American Gem Society). His son continues the business into the third generation. Bob was an avid golfer and longtime member of the West Palm Beach Golf Club as well as a charter member of Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. He spent most Sundays on the golf course well into his seventies. He also enjoyed photography and spent many days photographing outdoors in the Palm Beaches. Bob was well respected in the community and was a member of the West Palm Beach Kiwanis Club, the Tuscawilla Club, and the Governors Club. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 1201 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday beginning at 2:00 p.m. and also during a reception immediately following the Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Memory of Robert Lee Bechtel to a charity of your choice.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert BECHTEL
June 13, 2013
Dear Bob and Sara, we are deeply sorry for you loss. We will always remember Mr. Bechtel and will cherish even more the beautiful jewlery he tastefully recommended that marked many happy occasions in our lives. We will miss him.
Lucia and Phil Massa
Lisa Goss
June 6, 2013
Dear Bob.. So sorry for your loss. There is such a deep loss when one looses their Dad.. I know it well. May you find strength and peace in is memories. God bless you and your family.. Love, Lisa Goss (Ed Schwarzkopf's daughter)
June 4, 2013
He was a gentleman in a class all his own. He was a fantastic boss, mentor and friend. He cannot be replaced only sorely missed.
May 31, 2013
Losing a loved one to death causes great pain and deep sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by Our Heavenly Father. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve.
May 31, 2013
Bob was a gentleman among gentlemen and a valued friend. His loss will touch many.
Charlie Wells
Joey Bechtel
May 31, 2013
Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers. With heartfelt sympathy.
Claire Burrell
May 30, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Berg and Susan Vartan
May 29, 2013
We share your grief in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathy and condolence.
Berg and Susan Vartan
May 29, 2013
We share your grief in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathy and condolence.
Greg and MaryAnn Nash
May 28, 2013
With Our Heart Felt Sympathy
on the passing of your Father.
Virginia Utley
May 28, 2013
My deepest sympathy to your family.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Events
for Robert BECHTEL
Funeral services provided by:
Quattlebaum Funeral Cremation & Event Center5411 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33417
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