Hubert Edwin Bechtol

Hubert Edwin Bechtol April 20, 1926 – October 22, 2004 On October 22, 2004 the world lost a wonderful man and heaven was the proud recipient of Hubert “Hub” Edwin Bechtol. Hub Bechtol was simply a legend. A loving husband, prolific father, doting grandfather, and most recently a proud great-grandfather. Hub will live forever in the hearts of those who have known him. The entire family worships the precious moments we shared with him and the world is a better place because of his life. Born in Amarillo, Texas on April 20, 1926 Hub was the ninth child born to James and Emmarhea Bechtol and quickly grew in stature and hence the nickname “Big Boy”. His youth was spent in the plains of West Texas and Hub excelled in sports at Lubbock High lettering in every sport. Voted most popular, the handsome athlete met his best friend and lifelong partner Umpy. He was enamored with her beauty and spunk and they continued their lifelong adventure with happiness and humor and obvious love for life. The handsome couple started their college career at Texas Tech University where Umpy was Miss Texas Tech and Hub was awarded Little All-American in football his freshman year and lettered and starred on the basketball team. Hub then volunteered for the Navy in the V-12 program, which led him to the University of Texas in 1944. It was at his beloved alma mater that Hub rewrote the record books and was a bonafied football legend, playing with the likes of Bobby Lane and Doak Walker. His incredible talents led him to the unprecedented record of Consensus All-American in 1944, 1945 and 1946. Along with his all American status at Tech, Hub Bechtol became the only consensus four time All-American in football history. His accomplishments were honored in the Longhorn Hall of Fame in 1963 and The National College Football Hall of Fame in 1990. His many accomplishments read like a US Senator, as Hub was on a first name basis with all the Governors, Lt. Governors, Senators and most of the Texas Representatives, since Allan Shivers was Governor. Upon graduation from his beloved University of Texas, Hub spent four years in professional football, playing for the Baltimore Colts with his friend and quarterback, Y.A. Tittle. He then began his business career in the insurance and real estate arena and he and Umpy moved to Austin, Texas with Little Roy and remained Austin residents for the rest of his life. Hub’s professional life mirrored his football career and he became the president of the Austin Board of Realtors and was Realtor of the Year in 1968. He was also president and various other offices of the Texas Association of Realtors and was Texas Realtor of the year in 1976. He then became regional vice-president of the National Association of Realtors in 1983. He was Governor appointed on the Texas Real Estate Center Advisory Board and served on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and was on the Grand Jury Association of the State of Texas. A political giant, Hub served on numerous governor appointed steering committees and his references include icons in the state of Texas political arena. Hub was also a giant as a civic leader. He served on the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and was a founding member of both the Austin Aqua Festival and the West Austin Youth Sports Programs. He also devoted many hours to the Boy Scouts of America, serving as President of the Capital Area Council, and recipient of the highest honors Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope Awards. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Ben Hur Shrine Temple. In spite of all the incredible accomplishments, Hub Bechtol’s proudest achievement was his loving family. He and Umpy raised five wonderful children, thirteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Hub is survived in life by his loving family. His beautiful wife of 59 years, Elizabeth “Umpy” Bechtol of Austin, Texas. His five children, Roy Bechtol and wife Laura, Robby Bechtol, Cindy Barron and husband Garry, Gary Bechtol, Jimbo Bechtol and wife Amber “June”, all of Austin; 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; Felicia Foster and husband Will, Bradley Bechtol, Anna Bechtol and husband Ken Wiatrek, Jennifer Barron, Hub Bechtol and wife Katherine and son Hub, Marta Bechtol, Dustin Barron, Claten Bechtol, Cooper Bechtol, Courtney Barron and Casey Barron, Conner Bechtol, and Isabelle Bechtol. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Mozelle Tolk and by a sister-in-law, Chrystine Rives, both of Amarillo. Hub Bechtol was a man who achieved the ultimate in life, was a hero to many and was loved and respected by all those fortunate to feel his shining spirit. Hub drank life in big gulps and his humor and sensitivity made everyone comfortable in his presence. We will miss you Paw Paw, but we will never forget you. Your life is an inspiration to us all and we will cherish forever the moments we have shared. Hook’em Paw Paw! The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 24, 2004 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2004 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Hub’s grandsons; Hub Bechtol, Claten Bechtol, Cooper Bechtol, Conner Bechtol, Dustin Barron and Ken Wiatrek. Honorary pallbearers will be Rooster Andrews, Mace Thurman, Marshall Rhea, Arthur Boone, Bob Andrews, Jack Andrews, Nobel Doss and John Beasley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Austin Youth Association, 1314 Exposition, Austin, Texas 78703 or to the Boy Scouts of America, 7540 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, Texas 78723. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 - (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at wcfish.com