Jerry Bechtel

Linwood Gerald "Jerry" Bechtel, Jr., 87, of Marion, formerly of Carterville, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at his home.
Born in Pottstown, Pa to Linwood Gerald Bechtel and Doris Marie (Harris) Bechtel on June 20, 1937.
Jerry grew up in the farm community of Harmonyville, PA where at a very young age learned how to pick corn, plow, combine wheat, bail hay, feed cows and clean out stalls. He loved rural living.
Jerry graduated from Warwick High School in 1955 where he played basketball, soccer, and baseball. He held a school record by winning 12 varsity letters during his high school career. His basketball scoring record lasted for many years before being broken. He was a member of the high school dance band, chorus, drama club and was a class vice president and president during his high school career.
Jerry went on to West Chester State University where he played football and soccer. He was a member of the Friars Club and president of the Varsity Club. He graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education in 1959.
In the fall of 1959, he attended the University of Illinois on a graduate assistantship where he coached freshmen basketball and soccer. He earned his M.S. in Physical Education in 1963 and left the university. He was hired by Otto Grahm in 1963 to coach at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. While there, he coached basketball, soccer and assisted with football. He was the Chairman of the Physical Education Department at the Academy.
In 1969, Jerry joined the new faculty at John A. Logan College as the Chairman of the Physical Education Department and basketball coach. While at Logan, he also coached baseball and tennis. After many years, he still remains friends with many of the athletes he coached. He was very proud of the Community Health Education Complex at John A. Logan College. His concept grew2 from a fitness center located in a remodeled classroom in 1985 to a full fledged community workout facility complete with a fitness center, two pools, a walking track and multiple activity rooms in 2001.
In 1972, Jerry married Sandra K. Hindman on December 16, 1972 at the Herrin Church of Christ. They had two children, Brian Jeffrey born September 3, 1977 and Christie Marie born September 28, 1982. He was a member of the Herrin Church of Christ.
While living in Carterville, Jerry was very active in the Tri-C little league athletic programs serving as president for two years. He coached baseball and began the little league football program.
Jerry's life centered around his family. His son Brian's and daughter's Christie's activities were his main focus during their school years and after. He and Sandy never missed a school game or event.
In addition to his wife and children, Jerry's interests were flying his PA-28 Piper aircraft, motorhome traveling, collecting old-time radio shows, and tailgating at the S.I.U. football games.
Preceding him in death were his father in 1955 and his mother in 2016. Jerry leaves his wife, Sandra; son and daughter-in-law, Brian & Delisha Bechtel; daughter and son-in-law, Christie & Chad Goodman; grandchildren, Preeyae Roper, Briant Bechtel, Briyanna Bechtel, Baylie Bechtel, Paige Goodman, Kaleb Goodman and two very special boys Jacob Orr and Ayden Orr; and sister, Twila Gay Taylor of Pottstown, PA.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Herrin Church of Christ with Mr. Cecil Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Herrin City Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Herrin Church of Christ, 3101 South Park Avenue, Herrin, IL 62948 or to John A. Logan College Foundation – Fitness Center, 700 Logan College Drive, Carterville, IL 62918; envelopes will be available at the church.