Raymond Styer. Bechtel, age 92, of Harleysville, passed away on Tuesday, 

May 20, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Marie E. Bechtel, with whom he shared over 67 years of marriage.

            Born May 8, 1933, in Vernfield, he was a son of the late Henry and Lizzie (Styer) Bechtel.

            Ray was raised on a working dairy farm with over 200 cows.  Since his family needed him on the farm, he only completed the 8th grade. He met Marie Moyer, married, then they moved to Wilmington, DE. where Ray served in 1-W Volunteer Service. While in Delaware he worked at the Delaware State Hospital as well as working the night shift at a local gas station.

            When they moved back to Montgomery County, Ray worked for Snyder's Lumber Yard. He then became a milkman for Rosenberger's Dairy.  He ventured into co-owning an autobody shop in Lansdale.  Since he often enjoyed investing in real estate, it was logical for him to pursue the steps (and exams) to become a Real Estate Agent.  This was where he definitely found his niche, frequently earning the title of top salesman.

            After his retirement from Real Estate, he drove a coach bus for Hagey Coach & Tours company, followed by transporting cars for various dealerships. Ray was always taking care of his properties and on the go, even using "Housemover" as his CB handle. 

            Ray loved to travel.  At one point, when his children were young, he bought a motorhome and took a month to travel from Pennsylvania to California, up the Pacific coast covering the southern states on the way west and returning east via the northern states. His traveling also included trips to Europe, Israel and Mexico.

            Ray was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  When he wasn't on the go, he could be found playing Skip-bo, Hand & Foot, Uno, or dominos with friends and family. In these later years he looked forward to Sunday "noon meal" at Peter Becker Community with any family member that was available to join him.  He grew up attending Indian Creek Church of the Brethren later becoming a member at Penn Valley Grace Brethren. 

            Although he never enjoyed singing himself, he enjoyed listening to music especially hymns or gospel music.  Whether his wife, children, or grandchildren were playing the piano (or any other instrument) or singing, he delighted in hearing them do so.  He looked forward to visits and was known for going down the list of family members to talk to on the phone! 

            He is survived by his children Laureen (W. Bruce) Davison, Newark, DE, Juleen (James) Hagar, Quakertown, PA, Joel (Rachael) Bechtel, Harleysville, PA, and Lisa (Sean) Carroll, Beaver, PA; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

            In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings Edwin, Clifford, Walter, Henry, and Ella Mae Bechtel.

            Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Williams-Bergey-Koffel Funeral Home Inc., 667 Harleysville Pike, Telford, where the family will greet guests from 10 – 11:30 a.m.    Interment will take place at Zion Memorial Park.