Jerry Bechel

Jerry Bechel, age 86, of Attalla, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with his loving wife, Lynda, at his side. Jerry was born on September 15th, 1938, in Sikeston, Missouri. He then moved to Southern California with his family in June 1962, where they resided until 2003 when he and Lynda moved back to Alabama, where they had a home on a little piece of paradise, on a hill surrounded by acres of meadows, woodland, and a creek running through it. Jerry loved and lived life to the fullest…He was a sweet and gentle soul whose kindness shone through his eyes. He was a gentle presence on this earth, who was loved by all who knew him. He was known for his integrity and careful consideration of others. He will be sorely missed. Jerry loved to ride motorcycles (dirt bikes and street bikes). In his younger years, he rode with his children, Steve and Kathy. He was a great dad and friend to Steve and Kathy…he loved them dearly. He and Steve rebuilt cars in the garage as a hobby, although his main occupation was painting vehicles of all types. He passed that knowledge along, as well as many other things that he could teach them. He often took them camping, traveling around the country in their motorhome, creating wonderful memories that will never be forgotten. He loved and was an expert woodworker and taught Lynda how to use the tools to create things she loved. Jerry filled their home with beautiful, hand-crafted furniture…if it could be made of wood, he did it. There was never much that he couldn’t create with his hands. He loved sport shooting with his friends and set up a target shooting area on a part of their property. Jerry and Lynda loved to travel all over the country including Mexico and Canada, taking beautiful pictures along the way. Jerry rode the Suzuki touring bike… before that, a Goldwing, all over the place…with family and friends in groups. When he was around 80 years of age, he had to put the motorcycle away and spent more time working in his shop and learned to enjoy pro football and basketball while being home so much. Jerry is survived by his wife, Lynda (Hill) Bechel; his daughter Katherine Kimberly (Kathy) Shiflet of Riverside, California; his granddaughter Kayla Shiflet of Riverside, California; his sister, Marie Wells, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Bonus daughter, Carin Whitney and grandsons David Whitney and Dylan Whitney; Great-grand kids, Bentley Whitney, Jax Whitney, Meila Whitney, and Remi Whitney, all residing in Alabama; sister-in-law, Jean Bechel, of Chino, California, and brother-in-law A E McConnell of Sikeston, Missouri; His special brother-in-law, and close friend for many years, Gary Stowers, and a host of nieces and nephews scattered all over! He is preceded in death by his precious son, Jerry Steven (Steve) Bechel; mother, Martha Bechel; father, William “Bill” Bechel; brother, William Jr. (Billy) Bechel; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” McConnell, and Brother Robert “Bob” Bechel. Lynda would like to say a very special “Thank you” to their neighbors, Ricky and Wanda Smith, who have gone above and beyond being so supportive and helpful as well as the kind and caring nurses and staff at Pro Health Hospice…All angels here on earth who took loving care of Jerry, and to her family, who have been a blessing during this time of illness and loss by being here with her and Jerry, helping in any way they can. Family and friends will have a celebration of Jerry’s life at a date to be determined. Arrangements entrusted to Etowah Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Jerry Bechel

September 15, 1938 - August 2, 2025