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CHARLENE BECHTEL

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Charlene Bechtel, 80, of Lebanon, died Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Osage Beach.

She was born Aug. 14, 1940, in Lebanon, Mo. to Lester and Juanita Appling Franklin, who preceded her in death.

On July 20, 1957, she married Roy Lee Bechtel.

Charlene graduated from Lebanon High School. She made her home in the Lebanon community all her life, where she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a sweet woman with an infectious laugh and smile who loved her family with her whole heart, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids, who affectionately called her “Gran”. If one of her special grandkids or great-grandkids had a game, event or honor, it was certain that Gran could be spotted in the crowd. = Her home was a very warm and welcoming place, always immaculately decorated for every holiday season and where you could find her making some of the amazing food for which she was known, always in her trademark apron. She loved sitting outside with friends and neighbors in her driveway, talking with them and drinking coffee, and always looked forward to her Tuesday lunches with her close friends.

She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Charlene is survived by her husband, Roy Bechtel; one son, Greg Bechtel and his wife Tammie of Lebanon; and one daughter, Kim Russell and her husband Doug of Lebanon; five grandchildren, John Russell and his wife Jenilee, Jason Russell and his wife Mary, Jordan Russell and his wife Gabby, Ryne Bechtel and Abbie Jackson and her husband Lance; seven great-grandchildren, Harper, Hudson, Drew, Spencer, and Quinn Russell, Averie and Jorie Jackson; a step-sister, Joan Scurlock of Springfield; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many dear friends and neighbors.

A private graveside service for Charlene Bechtel will be held at a later date. Her body will be cremated under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon. To sign the guestbook online please visit shadelscolonialchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Charlene can be made to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel’s Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 945, Lebanon, Mo. 655