Beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and best friend, Elwood Albert Bechtel, better known to all as “Woody”, age 96, of El Paso, Texas passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Woody was born October 29, 1928 to Herbert Bechtel and Ella Pojar Bechtel in Beemer, Nebraska.
He graduated from Beemer High School, Beemer Nebraska. He then enlisted and became a dedicated soldier in the United States Army in 1948 and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1969. He received The National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC); Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC); Army Commendation Medal (3d OLC) for Meritorious Service. He went on to own his own business. Went back to school and graduated from UTEP with a Bachelor of Science in Education in December of 1979 and became a teacher of Earth Science for El Paso Independent School District and then retiring once again.
Woody had a passion for camping and fishing, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his Wife and the Love of his Life Anna A. Groth Bechtel; his Son Rodney L. Bechtel (Kathleen E. Bechtel).
He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Amber Elizabeth Bechtel (Jay Hernandez); Heather A. Salas (Victor Salas); Jason Thomas Bechtel; two Great Grandchildren, Jakob Hernandez and Luke F. Salas. And many nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.
Woody was preceded in death by his Son - Thomas Allan Bechtel; his Mother Ella Pojar Bechtel; his Father Herbert Bechtel; Sisters - Dorothy Bechtel Spangler, Betty Jane Bechtel Horwath; Brothers - Lester Herbert Bechtel, Lloyd Glen Bechtel, Harold J. Bechtel, Ivan Bechtel.
A celebration of his life will be on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 2500 George Dieter Dr., El Paso, TX, 79936. Committal service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ft Bliss Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, TX, 79906. Reception to follow at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.
