William F. Bechtel, 86, of Macungie, died Nov. 3, 2021 in HealthPark Medical Center, Fort Myers, FL.  He was the husband of Joanne (Abel) Bechtel and the late Jane E. (Edinger) Bechtel.  Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Lester and Helen (Groman) Bechtel.  Bill served his country in the Navy Reserves.  He worked for Air Products in corporate research for 35 years.  He was an accomplished musician.  Starting at the age of 15, he performed with Dopey Duncan and the Tophands, the Broadway Buckaroos, and for 50 years as a bass guitarist for the Les Baer Band.  Most recently he was a member of the Rajah Shrine musicians and enjoyed playing with groups in N. Ft. Myers, FL, his winter retreat.  He was a member of Christ Church U.C.C., Bethlehem and a member of Lehigh Lodge #326 F&AM.

William is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; sons, David T. Bechtel, William F. Bechtel and wife Jennifer, and Richard A. Bechtel and wife Lori; daughter, Barbara L. wife of Neil F. Breuer; 3 stepsons, Bill Schleicher, John Schleicher and wife Colleen, Tom Schleicher, 9 grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  He was predeceased by a brother, Donald Bechtel and his wife Audrey, and a sister, Elizabeth Runge and her husband Rodney.

Funeral and Masonic Services will be held on Mon., Nov. 15, 2021 in Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., 250 Main St., Emmaus.  Viewing 10:00 to 11:00 AM in the funeral home.  Interment with military honors will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Coopersburg.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, or Christ U.C.C. Church, Bethlehem, PA.