Charles E. Bechdel

Born February 10, 1936 in Blanchard, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Daniel M. and Anna M. Stiver Bechdel.

Charlie graduated from Lock Haven High School in Pennsylvania in 1954 where he met his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Hoy. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force and then married Nancy. He served his country for twenty years as an air traffic controller in many different parts of the world including: France, Greenland, and Thailand during the Vietnam War.

While stationed in Thailand, he became interested in cutting and polishing gemstones and learning about jewelry. Charlie retired from the Air Force in 1974.

In 1975 he opened Bechdel Jewelers in Inwood where it continues to operate after 41 years. In 1978, Charlie opened a second Bechdel Jewelers in Charles Town. He retired in 2002; however, he remained an integral part of the business up until his death.

Charlie was a supporter of the local schools and charities, too numerous to count, throughout his entire time in business. He was a member and trustee at South Berkeley Baptist Church in Inwood.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy A. Hoy Bechdel; his children: Daniel Bechdel and wife, Kelly, of Inwood, Lori Ettinger and husband, Dave, of Martinsburg, and David Bechdel and wife, Kelly, of Bunker Hill; his granddaughters: Megan Lilly, of Martinsburg, Courtney Webb and husband, Robbie, of Bunker Hill; his great-grandchildren: Kailey and Robbie, of Bunker Hill; his sisters: Kathryn Ann Aurand and husband, Bill, of Beech Creek, Pennsylvania, Joan Hockman and husband, Bob, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Judy Ross and husband, Ernest, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and Joyce Yeaney and husband, Dan, of Beech Creek, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8pm at Rosedale Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1pm at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Rosedale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to South Berkeley Baptist Church.

Condolences can be sent to www.Rosedalefuneral.com