Clarence Bechtold

Clarence August Bechtold was born January 2, 1918 to August and Lydia Bechtold near Gaylord, Kansas. After graduation from Gaylord High School, he attended and graduated from Kansas State University in 1941. Following graduation, Clarence taught Vocational Agriculture for one year before entering the military service. After training at Notre Dame, he became an officer, Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he was involved in the Invasion of Southern France as a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer. He ended his service in Guam as an Officer of Personnel.

After the war, he returned to teaching in Northwestern Kansas where he met and married Gertrude Gilbert, a high school music teacher.

In 1950, the couple moved to Springfield, Missouri. Clarence became involved in the early development of White Chapel Memorial Gardens. He served as manager there for many years before being employed at Wickman Gardens until his retirement in 1999.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

He is survived by his wife Gertrude, sister Margaret Brown, daughter Loretta Ann Robinson (Rob), son David Gilbert Bechtold (Kim), grandsons Jeremy Bechtold (Megan) and Trevor Bechtold (Lindsay) and great-grandsons Gavin and Fletcher Bechtold. Many nieces, nephews, family and friends survive.

Clarence attended Grace United Methodist Church for over 50 years where he served proudly on many committees and as a member of the Board.

Funeral services will be Saturday, November 24, at 1:00pm in Grace United Methodist Church with visitation following the service under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be Tuesday, November 27, at 1:00pm in Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 600 S. Jefferson, Springfield, Missouri 65806.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News-Leader from Nov. 22 to Nov. 24, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Bechtold

4 Entries

Chaplain Richard Reuer

November 22, 2012

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one, if you wish for a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email your mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!
Fair Winds and Following Seas

Chaplain Richard Reuer

November 22, 2012

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation and an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one, if you wish for a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salutes, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, please send your request to:
Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry
1206 6th St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Or click on CONTACT ME to email your mailing address for which card be mailed to.

This service is free to all veteran families. I wish to thank you for your serving from one veteran to another – Thanks!
Fair Winds and Following Seas

Rod Guilford

November 22, 2012

Most sincere condolences to the Bechtold family

November 22, 2012

Dearest Gertrude and family,
Sending our deepest sympathy. Clarence was a wonderful man. Thinking back to many memories from Grace Methodist Church. As you know, it is difficult for Dad to get out now, so he will be unable to attend the service. He joins me in sending condolences.
Love,

Nancy Rich Gordon

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc. - Springfield

1947 East Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804

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