Joseph D. ""Joe"" Bechtold

Joseph D. ""Joe"" Bechtold of Littleton, CO passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on March 19, 2016 at the age of 84. Joe was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma, April 6, 1931 to Gladys Belle and Edwin Flynn Bechtold. He was the youngest of 5 children. Joe graduated from Newkirk High School, where he excelled in sports. He joined the United States Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in December, 1954. He met the love of his life, Betty Lou Daniel in Omaha, Nebraska. They were married in Omaha in 1954. They moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma where he attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in 1959. After graduation, Joe began working for the Chevron Oil Company as a civil engineer in Casper, Wyoming. The Bechtolds lived in some of the most glamorous locations in the Western United States, including Minot, North Dakota and Rangely, Colorado. Joe retired from Chevron in 1990. In 1991 he and Betty returned to Colorado to live closer to family. Joe loved to play golf, read and garden. He also loved attending Colorado Rockies games win or lose. He was always up for a practical joke and April Fool's Day was one of his favorite holidays. Joe was compassionate, kind and beloved by his family and friends. Joe is survived by wife Betty of 61 years; daughters Joan Bechtold and Mary Bechtold, both of Littleton, Colorado Funeral Service will be held Friday, March 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM, at Horan & McConaty, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, Colorado. In Joe's memory, in lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to The Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter. Please share your condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.