Clarence Earnest Bechtol

Clarence Earnest Bechtol was born to William Alvin Bechtol and Effie Mae (Johns) Bechtol November 10, 1916, on the family homestead west of Coulee City in the Baird District. He was the 6th of 9 children and spent his childhood and early adulthood on the family farm. He attended Rock Rose School, a one room school house 2 miles from their home, for eight years. He graduated from Coulee City High School in 1934. When he had time off from hauling water, working in the fields and tending the cows and horses, he roamed the range land around their farm in the summer and went ice skating in the winter. He and his brothers even found time to dig a “cave” under the sagebrush complete with a stove pipe so they could have a fire in the cave. It was large enough to fit 3-4 boys and enjoyed by some of the neighbor boys as well. Clarence was known as “Jiggs” to his family because he was never standing still. In October of 1942 Clarence joined the Coastguard for 3 ½ years. After completing diesel mechanic school in Connecticut, he served in the Asiatic-Pacific on the USS Leonard Wood and saw action in Saipan, Angaur, Leyte and Lingayen Gulf. When the war ended, he returned to the family farm. Clarence married Gudrun “Gudie” Amalia Holm August 24, 1947. They made their home in Moscow, Idaho for 2 years where he worked as a mechanic and their first daughter was born. He then talked Gudie into moving back to Coulee City and resumed wheat farming until his retirement in 1981. They had 5 more children while living in Coulee City. Clarence and Gudie moved to Wenatchee in 1983. They were married 48 years before her death December 16, 1995. She was very ill for the last 2 years of her life and Clarence cared for her at home. Clarence married Mary Jo Pewitt July 20, 1996. They only had 4 short years of hiking, traveling and enjoying each other’s company before she died October 27, 2000. Clarence was a part of a worldwide fellowship of Christians and in 1994 he openly made his choice for Christ. Clarence was loved dearly by his family and left them with many fond memories of their time with him. Clarence is survived by his children Maribel (Curt) Johnson who lives on the family farm near Coulee City, Ryan Bechtol of Spokane Valley, Rodney (Donna) Bechtol of West Richland, Wayne Bechtol of Wenatchee, and Arlene (Rod) Frazier of Portland, Oregon; two grandsons, Aaron Bechtol of Pasco and Scott Bechtol of West Richland; 3 great granddaughters; 1 brother, Roy (Vernie) Bechtol of Coulee City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wives Gudie and Mary; his daughter, Kathleen; his brothers, Oscar, John, Arthur, Wilfred and Jasper and William; and his sister, Lila Schlatter. Clarence was known within his family as someone who “could fix anything”. He also enjoyed inventing things and often fabricated tools or equipment to perform specific jobs on the farm. In lieu of flowers Clarence would like donations made to Salvation Army or your local Food Bank. Clarence passed away on Sunday, December 9, 2018. There will be a viewing Monday, December 17, 2018 5-8 P.M. A Traditional Funeral will be held Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 10 A.M. at Jones & Jones – Betts Memorial Chapel. A Graveside will follow at Highland Cemetery in Coulee city at 1 P.M.

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Clarence Earnest Bechtol

November 10, 1916 - December 9, 2018