Mahlon Bechtel

Mahlon Lee Bechtel, of York, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on February 20, 1950, in Halifax, Pennsylvania, Mahlon was a proud graduate of Halifax High School, class of 1969. He was married to his wife Lorrie for nearly 44 years before her death in 2024.

Known affectionately as "Blue" in his high school days, Mahlon had a lifelong passion for vehicles-especially muscle cars. Over the years, he owned and cherished a variety of vehicles, almost always Fords-- Mustangs, Torino, Conversion Van, Truck or Ranchero, he coveted them all. He ventured into motorcycles for a time as well-but one of his last words was Torino as he looked at photos from his collection. His love for cars was transferred into fandom for NASCAR. Mahlon was also a fan of old Westerns, which he enjoyed watching regularly. He took great pleasure in collecting John Deere and Agway Memorabilia, Hess trucks, stamps, and piggy banks-espeically in the shape of a car or train.

A dedicated worker with an eye for detail, Mahlon held positions at Perk Pet Foods, Agway, Walmart, and Susquehannock High School. His commitment to excellence was well known-so much so that his father once remarked that "no one could stack hay bales (or anything else) like Mahlon." That perfectionism became a hallmark of his work ethic throughout his life.

A man of quiet humor and unique charms, Mahlon was known among family and friends as a lifelong Mumbler who enjoyed photography, particularly his Polaroid camera, and appreciated a strong cup of black coffee. His beloved sheltie, Daisy made him so happy--she could do no wrong even if he did grumble at first when she arrived at their home. Mahlon found great joy in camping trips with his wife and her family as well as hunting excursions-especially when they gave him the chance to catch up with his brothers. Fellow hunters often wondered if he was along for the hunt--or for the nap. He never missed a high school reunion or Alumni event. These gatherings were important to him; they allowed him to reconnect with old classmates and relive cherished memories from his youth.

Perhaps he was most known for his avid recycling of aluminum CANS. He would obsessively patrol family gatherings to collect any and all aluminum recycling to redeem later. He was always prepared with extra bags and bins to bring his bounty home. Family and friends alike would hoard soda (and other) cans just for him. The sound of cans crushed under his heel and rattling in bins will forever elicit memories of Mahlon.

Mahlon was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 44 years Lorrie Bechtel; his parents John and Iola Bechtel; his brother Gene Bechtel, Sr.; and sister-in-law Bonnie Bechtel.

He is lovingly remembered by his brothers J. Charles Bechtel and Ivan Bechtel (Pam); sisters-in-law Cathy Bechtel, Deneen Harbold (Scott), and Kathy Landis (Doug); nieces and nephews Tishia Miller (Scott), Gene Bechtel Jr. (Jamie), Bambi Arnold (Kevin A.), Ann Stoneroad (Tom), J. Douglas Bechtel, Christy Lepore (Kevin L.), Brian Bechtel (Brenda), Brenda Bechtel (Alex), Bethany Bechtel (Devin), Bradley Landis (Sadie), Brent Landis (Megan), Matthew Harbold (Ellen), Megan Mellinger (Abe), Jennifer Conklin, and Kacie Conklin; as well as great-nieces and nephews Sophie, J. Landon, Cohen, Eric, Ethan, William, Toby, AJ, Oliver, Emily, Nicole, Anthony Sarah, Olivia, Riley, Jesse, Chloe, Addisyn, Jayson, Bristol, Reagan, and Peyton.

In addition to this large extended family who will miss him dearly are numerous other relatives and friends who were touched by Mahlon's presence over the years.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Salem Christian Church, Jacobus with Visitation at 10 AM followed by a Funeral Service at 11 AM. Please join the family for a Luncheon at the church around Noon, after which Mahlon and his wife Lorrie will be interred at Saint Jacob's Union Cemetery in New Salem.

Salem Christian Church

24 Franklin Street

Jacobus, PA 17407

St. Jacob's Union Cemetery

100 East George St
New Salem, Pennsylvania 17371