William Keith Bechtel

William" Bill" Bechtel of Tomball, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2024. He was born on June 14, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio to parents Paul K. and Betty L. (Mueller) Bechtel. Bill was their third child, and second son.
Bill is survived by his wife Barbara Riker Bechtel, his sons Kenneth Bechtel of Bellaire, TX, Dr. Robert (Jennifer) Bechtel, grandson Rory Bechtel of Cleveland, TX, brother David (Carol) Bechtel of Euclid, OH, sister Helen (Christopher) Viator of Houston, TX, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bill, or as he is known to his friends and family "Billy" or "Bechi", grew up in Youngstown, Ohio where he graduated from Boardman High School in 1973. He attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and graduated in 1978 with a B.S. in Business.
Bill always had a job during high school and took a "sabbatical" from college to open a new Wendy's fast-food store. He managed that store for a year before returning to OU to complete his business degree.
Bill had a long career in the fast food and food service industry, capitalizing on this experience, he and Barb opened a Wolfies Restaurant and Sports Bar in Cypress, TX 12 years ago. Bill was known as a "hands-on manager", he loved talking to and helping everyone. With this knowledge and managerial talent and Barb's multitude of skills, they survived the COVID pandemic and made their Wolfies an undeniable success.
Bill had a STRONG faith and was an active member of Covenant Methodist Church. The following are just a few of the ministries that Bill was involved in. He served as a greeter and usher. Bill taught the ESL (English as a Second Language) program since it's inception over 4 years ago, where he always created a surprise and delighted ESL students with his methods and materials, especially where it concerned American holidays and food. Bill was THE dedicated volunteer for The Children's Ministry, setting up, assisting the head teacher, and whenever the need arose for him to become Santa Claus or Team Mascot, or most importantly, Jesus for Vacation Bible School. Bill always had a smile, a hug, and a hearty greeting for everyone.
Bill was an avid baseball fan, starting with the Cleveland Indians and after moving to Houston in 1981 became a season ticket holder with the Astro's. Most days, Bill was dressed head-to-toe in Astros apparel, literally head to toe. He loved going to the ballpark early for Batting Practice and attempting to catch outfield hits and foul balls.
His greatest joy was becoming a grandfather
A funeral service has been planned for Saturday, June 29th at 9:30 a.m. at Covenant Methodist Church, 8555 Creekside Green Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77389. www.covenantconnects.org, In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Bill's name to https://connextsteps.churchcenter.com/giving/to/in-memory-of-bill-bechtel