Martin Harold Bechtol, 88, of Montpelier, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 6, 2024. He was born on March 11, 1936 in Superior Township to Alfred Martin and Elgie Enola (Henry) Bechtol. Martin graduated from Montpelier High School in 1954. On March 14, 1975, he married Jorette "Joyce" Fredrickson in Montpelier and she survives.

Martin worked full time for the Edon Farmer's Co Op in Blakeslee from 1954 to 2002 and then continued to work on a part time basis until 2004. He was a member of Montpelier Church of Christ.

Martin is survived by his wife, Joyce Bechtol; children, Lyn Smith of Pioneer, Dawn K. Dingledine of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Thomas M. Bechtol of Montpelier and Steven L. Bechtol of Edon; step-children, Ronald M. Arkwright of Edon, Karen A. Kissinger of Angola, Indiana and Debra Fuller of Plattsburg, New York; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and 12 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Leslie (Martha) Bechtol of Edon and Eileen Gipple of Montpelier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Denver and Ralph Bechtol; and sister, Esther.

A time to receive friends will be held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 11am to 1pm at the Thompson Funeral Home on Main Street in Montpelier. A memorial service will take place at 1 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Fox to officiate. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Memorials contributions may be made to Montpelier Church of Christ.