Donald Lee Bechtold, 86, North Manchester, died at 9:53 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his residence. He was born in Huntington County, on Sept. 12, 1932, to William and Edith Leona (Frushour) Bechtold. On Sept. 19, 1953, he was united in marriage to Carol Joan Gump. She preceded him in death on June 8, 1992. On February 5, 1994, he married Helen Howard-Ross, who survives.

He was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church, a 1951 Chester High School graduate, and served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1955. He loved and cared for his horses on his “ranch,” the Golden B Farm. Gifted with his hands, he made the harnesses for his mini-horse hitches, which he crafted with his woodworking skills. He was a man who would wear out a pair of work gloves by working in his yard and around his farm. Simply said, he was always doing something.

Family was paramount in his life. A devoted father of five, He was a caring patriarch to his large family. His grandchildren will forever cherish their memories with him and fondly recall his unending love and support. He also enjoyed spending time with family in Kentucky.

In addition to his wife Helen, he will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kevin J. (Karen) Bechtold, North Manchester; Todd L. (Amy) Bechtold, South Whitley; Donna (Daniel) Zellers, Rochester; Janet (Steve) Woodward, Rochester; Laura (Mike) West, North Manchester. His surviving brothers and sisters are Melvin Bechtold, Columbia City; Tom (Marcella) Bechtold, North Manchester; Terry (Becky) Bechtold, Urbana; Larry Bechtold, North Manchester; Betty McCune, Markle; and Shelba (Dean) Neher, North Manchester. He also leaves nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Billy Joe, Max, Richard and Jerry Bechtold and one sister, Opal McColley.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4, at McKee Mortuary. Pastor Paul Sluss will officiate the services, and burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Servia. For those who wish to honor the memory of Donald Lee Bechtold, memorial contributions may be made to the North Manchester Historical Society, PO Box 361, North Manchester, IN 46962.