Barry Craig Bechler

Barry Craig Bechler, age 74 of Mecosta, Michigan, passed away on Monday evening, May 4, 2026 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids.  He was born on August 24, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Arnold Walter & Marion Ruth (Houston) Bechler. 

Barry was a US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam Era.  He had been a Deputy Sheriff for Mecosta County, where he was also a sketch artist and a member of the Hostage Negotiations Unit.  Barry was a member of Charity Baptist Church Church in Paris, Michigan where he played guitar and was a music leader.  He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Barry is survived by 2 children:  Colleen (Aaron) Gleason, Gideon Bechler; 6 grandchildren:  Esther, Emma, Malachi, Ezekiel, Seth, and Micah Gleason; 1 sister, Linda Crabtree Meikle; and 1 brother, Ronald (Kathy) Bechler.  He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold & Marion Bechler, and by his brother Walter Bechler.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Charity Baptist Church in Paris, Michigan with Pastor Terry Wilson officiating.  A luncheon and time to visit with the family will immediately follow the service at church.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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