Walter Eugene “Walt” Bechtle, 86, of Frederick County, Virginia passed away Monday, December 10, 2018, at The Village at Orchard Ridge.

Walt was born in 1932 in Bucyrus, Ohio, the son of the late George and Clara Bechtle. He attended Ohio State University and graduated from the University of the Philippines, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Walt was a veteran of the United States Air Force, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel; awarded The Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service, The Bronze Star, The Air Medal, and The Air Force Commendation Medal. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, bowling, and being a stock broker. Walt was a member of Epworth Methodist Church in Marion, Ohio. He was a loving and loyal husband, father, and grandfather that cherished his family.

He married Rose Reidy on September 10, 1955 in Marion, Ohio.

Surviving with his wife is son, Jon Bechtle (Jeanmarie) of Winchester, Virginia and their children, Jessica Misseldine (Sterling) of Boise, Idaho, and Megan Cullip (Marc) of Knoxville,
Tennessee; and son, Mark Bechtle of Earlysville, Virginia and his children, Reid Bechtle of Earlysville, Virginia, Ford Bechtle of Carnelian Bay, California, and Clark Bechtle (Kelsey) of Keswick, Virginia; and three great grandchildren (Jessica and Sterling’s children).

Along with his parents, Walt was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Lawrence and her husband, John and a brother, Karl Bechtle and his wife, Elaine.

A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, December 22nd, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel. A reception will follow the service at Omps Reception Center, Amherst Chapel.

A graveside service will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Walt’s memory to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia 22601.