Kenneth W. Bechtel, 88, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the loving husband of Dorothy M. Metzger Bechtel, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage this past December 26 ^th . Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Warren J. and Margaret E. Williams Bechtel.

Kenneth had worked as a supervising engineer for Bell Telephone in Lancaster for 38 years until his retirement in 1985. Following his retirement from Bell, he had worked as a telecommunications consultant for D&E Communications. He was a past president of the Telephone pioneers of America.

Kenneth was a member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church in Lancaster.

He was a US Army veteran of World War II, serving as a Staff Sgt. in both the European and Pacific Theaters in the Signal Corps. He was a life member of VFW Post 1463 in Lititz.

Kenneth was a Master Mason with the F&A Masonic Lodge 43 of Lancaster

He and his wife loved to travel, being active members of the Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club and the Chapter 257 Red Rose Ramblers.

In addition to his wife, Kenneth is survived by his 4 sons: David R. married to Nancy Bechtel of Lancaster, James K. married to Jeanette Bechtel of Bunnell, FL, Thomas W. Bechtel of Lancaster, and Peter A. married to Maryann Bechtel of Millersville; his 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; his sister Ruth married to Charles Groman of Allentown, and his 2 brothers, Warren married to Marilyn Bechtel of Boonton, NJ and Gary Bechtel of Alburtis, PA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Isabel Baumer.

Funeral Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 560-5100