Allen H. Bechtel of Findlay, Ohio went to be with His Lord on the morning of Saturday, August 29th, 2009
at Blanchard Valley Hospital at the age of 84. Allen was born to Allen and Thelma (Fisher) Bechtel on
September 3rd, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio. He grew up in North Baltimore, Ohio and married Helen Kathleen
Williams, his wife of 57 years, on June 14, 1952 and she survives. They raised their family in North
Baltimore, Ohio before moving to Findlay, Ohio in 1987.
He is also survived by his three daughters, Susan (Richard) Schemmer of Perrysburg, Ohio; Barbara (Kevin)
Swartz of Overland Park, Kansas; and Beverly (James) Baney of Findlay, Ohio; as well as five
grandchildren: Kelly and Scott Swartz, Bryant Schemmer, and Andrew and Christopher Baney. Allen loved
his family dearly; it was obvious to all who knew him that they were his greatest source of pride and
pleasure.
Allen earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was a former Scoutmaster. He spent his first year of college at
Bowling Green State University before enlisting in the United States Army serving for three years during
World War II.
Upon his return he attended Ohio State University, from which he received his law degree in 1951. He was
a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the Order of the Coif, an honorary law society. He began
practicing law in 1951 as an associate of Kenneth Adams of North Baltimore and was a member of the Wood
County Law Association. He recently retired from Bechtel & Thompson Law Office after 58 years of
proudly serving North Baltimore and surrounding communities. Allen was a friend to all and will be
greatly missed by those who had the opportunity to share in his honesty, integrity, generosity and
kindness.
He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the First Federal Bank in North Baltimore from 1961 to
1994 and continued as Director Emeritus.
In 2004 he was awarded the Spirit of Wood County Liberty through Law/Human Freedom Award. He was also a
member of the Masonic Lodge No. 561, the American Legion Post 539 and was a long-time member of St.
James United Methodist Church in North Baltimore, Ohio.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 11:00 AM at St. James
United Methodist Church, 201 Second Street, North Baltimore, Ohio with Pastor Rick Adams officiating.
Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery (SR 18) North Baltimore where the American Legion Post 539 will
present full military rites. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 1, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to
8:00 PM at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME in North Baltimore, Ohio. Memorial contributions in memory of Allen
may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, North Baltimore, Ohio. Online condolences may be sent
to: www.coldrencrates.com.