Charles was born in Evanston, Illinois on November 23, 1932 to Wilbur Christian and Maude (Braton) Bechtold. He married Barbara Parry on May 5, 1962 in London, England.
He served a tour in the Army from 1952-1953 in Korea and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He subsequently served an additional 20 years active duty in the in the United States Air Force and 15 years Civil Service as GM13 with the Air Force Accounting and Finance Center in Denver, Colorado. Charles was a key member of the personnel team that drafted, created and activated the Air Force Retiree/Annuitant Pay Systems (RAPS) in the 1980 time frame.
Running was Charles’ hobby and in April 1989 he achieved his goal by running the Boston Marathon.
Charles is survived by two daughters Kathy Harvey and son-in-law, Jeff Showalter and Karen Messick both of Brighton; and one granddaughter Breanna Bechtold of Greeley and two great-grandchildren Konner and Kinzlee.
Private funeral service will be held. Inurnment will be in Arlington National Cemetery where he will join his wife Barbara.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18