Ed ''Paw'' Bechtler Jr.

ED "PAW" BECHTLER JR., age 65, of Bel Air, MD, died on June 28, 2008 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. Born in Christiansburg, VA, he was the son of the late Edward Allen Bechtler Sr. and the late Frieda Gladys Slusher Bechtler. He retired from Aberdeen Proving Grounds after 37 years where he was chief of high speed photography. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Intrepid. He was a private pilot for many years and enjoyed computers and spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a member of Evangelical Methodist Church in Dublin under the teachings of Don McKnight.

Mr. Bechtler is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shelby D. Nichols Bechtler of Bel Air, MD; three daughters, Nancy M. Walls of Bel Air, MD, Rebecca L. Brandis of Havre de Grace, MD, and Sharon D. Shrake of Abingdon, MD; a sister, Sharon Ann Bechtler of Elliston, VA; and four grandchildren, Kelsey M. Walls of Bel Air, MD, Adam S. E. Shrake and Benjamin R. Shrake, both of Abingdon, MD, and Lauren M. Brandis of Havre de Grace, MD.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036.