William F. Bechtel, 86, of Macungie, died Nov. 3, 2021, in HealthPark Medical Center, Fort Myers, Fla. He was the husband of Joanne (Abel) Bechtel and the late Jane E. (Edinger) Bechtel. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Lester and Helen (Groman) Bechtel.

He served his country in the Navy reserves.

He worked for Air Products in corporate research for 35 years.

He was an accomplished musician. Starting at the age of 15, he performed with Dopey Duncan and the Tophands, the Broadway Buckaroos and for 50 years as a bass guitarist for the Les Baer Band. Most recently he was a member of the Rajah Shrine musicians and enjoyed playing with groups in North Fort Myers, Fla., his winter retreat.

He was a member of Christ Church U.C.C., Bethlehem and a member of Lehigh Lodge #326 F&AM.

He is survived by his wife; sons, David T., William F. and his wife, Jennifer, Richard A. and his wife, Lori; a daughter, Barbara L. and her husband, Neil F. Breuer; stepsons, Bill Schleicher, John Schleicher and his wife, Colleen, Tom Schleicher; nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Donald and his wife, Audrey and a sister, Elizabeth and her husband, Rodney Runge.

Contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, or Christ U.C.C. Church, Bethlehem.

Arrangements were made by the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C. Emmaus.