Douglas Allen Bechtel

Douglas Allen Bechtel, 76, of Elkhart, IN., passed away at 10:53 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in his residence.

Douglas was born on February 2, 1950 in Elkhart, IN., to Ralph Ervin and Ella Mae (Click) Bechtel.

Douglas married Caren “Casey” Loeffler on May 18, 1984. Casey survives along with; his brother Ralph Bechtel Jr, and sister Loretta Barrick, his three daughters: Dawn (Brett) Schumann, Kimberly (David) Ingling, and Sharlynn (Andy) Brown. He was the proud grandfather to 6 grandchildren: Hailey (Jeremy) Pickett-Franklin, Morgan Ingling, David Ingling, Jaxson Brown, Raegan McNemar, and Noah McNemar and one great granddaughter Vallie Jo Franklin.

Douglas graduated from Concord High School in 1969 and he was a proud alumni enjoying going to the football and basketball games.

Douglas was a former chief for the Concord Township Fire Department and he taught fire training school for Elkhart and Concord Fire Departments. He was owner and operator of C & D Flooring.

Douglas was a member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association and Cross Road Community Church.

Visitation for Douglas will be on Monday, April 6 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Funeral Home – Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka where funeral services will take place at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 with one hour of visitation prior to the services.

Douglas will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, IN 46561.

Online condolences can be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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