Robert Bechard

ROBERT BECHARD Robert Leonard Bechard, son of John F. and Justine Bechard, was born, June 3, 1924 in North Adams, Massachusetts. He departed this life, Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 8:12 p.m., in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty-seven years, eight months and five days. On October 18, 1993 in Miami, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Khristine Joyce Barrett. Together they shared the past eighteen years of marriage He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Jack Bechard. Survivors include his wife, Khristine Bechard of the home; children, Greg Bechard and wife Terri, Eric Bechard and wife Denise, Andrea Massey and husband Mike and Allison Rueter and husband Darren all of Freeburg, Illinois and Karen Bechard of Colorado; six grandchildren and a host of other relatives, many friends and his prized cats, Barney and Suss. Robert was raised in Massachusetts and graduated from high school there. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during World War II. After being honorably discharged, from the Air Force, he worked for a brief time of AT&T. He later re-enlisted with the Air Force and retired as an investigator. He and Khristine retired to the Lake of the Ozarks where his friends lovingly called him "Big Bad Bob". He loved Israel and Jesus. He was a member of the American Legion and the National Rifle Association. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, electrical work and gardening. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Graveside services and military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2012 in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. No formal visitation will be held, however, friends may call in Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home from 12-4 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2012. Memorial donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America and left at the funeral home. Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton is assisting the family with arrangements.