Joshua Paul Bechtel

Joshua Paul Bechtel, 46, passed away suddenly from an aortic aneurysm on the evening of Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Barberton Hospital in the City of Barberton, Ohio. Josh was born in the City of Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon, on November 4, 1977, to Terry David Ostrander and Debra Anne Sutter. Joshua spent his early years in three foster homes prior to coming to Wilmer and Fay Bechtel’s home in Estacada, Oregon in 1985, as a 7 year old boy, full of energy and adventure. Josh was adopted into the Bechtel family at 10 years old on December 18, 1987. He loved to learn. He had a photographic memory and at an early age loved to read the World Book Encyclopedia. By second grade he was able to list all of the planets in our solar system in the proper order. Josh began first grade in Pendleton, Oregon, and finished homeschooling in Estacada. He continued his education at Porter Mennonite School, graduating from high school in the spring of 1997. From 1998 until 2001, Josh worked several jobs but the one he loved most and spent the most time with was at a neighborhood plant nursery. Joshua loved children and cared deeply especially for those who suffered. On January 12 of 2001, he began a 3 ½ year venture working with handicapped children at Faith Mission Home in Virginia. Joshua worked for almost seven years (until 2010) at Fresh Start located in Washington, a city in Daviess County, Indiana. Fresh Start is a men’s rehabilitation center with multiple facets, one of them being a woodworking shop–this is where Josh spent most of his time. This time, when Josh finished his service at Fresh Start, he chose to continue living in the midwest. He lived in Illinois, North Carolina, and Ohio. The last 12-13 years of his life, Josh lived in various villages, townships and cities in Ohio.  It was here he published several books dedicated to his birth mother and “fellow adopted kids” telling his life story, perfecting his poetry and painting skills and helping others find their voices as he was finding his. His work has touched many lives, near and far. Joshua is lovingly remembered by his adoptive mother, Faythelma Arthel Bechtel, his siblings, Maria (Fred) Rodrigas, Merlin Bechtel, Nolan (Annette) Bechtel, Miriam (Juan) Lopez, Roni (Lisa) Bechtel, Matthew (Kacey) Bechtel, brothers-in-law, Jonathan (Sharon) Kropf, Jesse (Janice) Miller, many nieces and nephews and his birth father, Terry David Ostrander and many, many extended family, some of whom he was blessed to meet in person. He was preceded in death by his adoptive father-Wilmer Lawrence Bechtel, his birth mother-Debra Anne Sutter, his sister-Cynthia (Jonathan) Kropf, his sister-Sonya (Jesse) Miller and his sister-in-law-Carol (Merlin) Bechtel. Josh will also be remembered by his many friends, extended family, fellow authors, artists, advocates and neighbors. While in Ohio, Josh enjoyed a great community of friends at the Freedom Fellowship in Apple Creek, Gateway Church in Wooster, Goss Memorial Church in Akron, White Rabbit Galleries, Kave Coffee Shop and M & C Mobile Home Park in Barberton. Josh will always be remembered for his sharpening influence, “as iron sharpens iron.” He often signed his books with a verse, "The LORD alone was guiding him, no foreign god was with him.” He persistently asked questions and will be remembered for the way he helped others find their voices. May the name of Joshua Paul Bechtel be inscribed in the book of life as a blessing to all who knew him and loved him. May he be remembered through acts of love, good deeds and kindness.  May our all-merciful loving heavenly Father shelter him with the cover of His wings forever, and bind Joshua’s soul and our souls in the bond of life through Yeshua (Jesus) our savior and promised deliverer. The LORD is his heritage. May Joshua rest in his resting place, having received the gift of faith and the peace of Christ. Let those who are alive and remain say, Amen! Josh will be buried on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Lot 432, Section Q1, Grave1 (The Garden of the Good Shepherd). Family and friends are welcome on Saturday at Lakeview United Methodist Church, 211 Third Street, N.W., Barberton, Ohio 44203, visitation from 3 to 4 p.m., with a memorial service for Josh at 4 p.m. A meal will be served to family and friends immediately after the service. His service will be live-streamed. To help honor Joshua’s memory and legacy. A Memorial Fund is available. If you’re interested in contributing, even a few dollars can make a big difference. Here’s where you donate to: https://everloved.com/life-of/joshua-bechtel/donate/

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