John Bechtol, 75, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026 surrounded by his family. Born on September 26, 1950, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, he later moved to Florida where he graduated from Lakeland High School and earned an engineering degree from the University of South Florida.

John dedicated his career to structural engineering as President/Owner of Maintenance & Machinery Erectors. He was a proud member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

John was a lifelong Christian. He stood firm in his convictions and valued God, his faith, and his family.

He was a fan of Florida State University sports, and his hobbies included golfing, fishing, and boating. Above all, John cherished time spent with his family and his beloved dog, Jake.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dyan Bechtol; daughters Jenifer Paul (Scott) and April Novotny (Clint); grandchildren: Autumn, Colby, Madi, Brooks, and Katherine; sisters Darlene Morse and Diana Mason; and his faithful dog, Jake.

Memorial services will be held at 11 am, Friday, July 10, 2026, at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Homes Southside Chapel in Lakeland, Florida.

John's life will be celebrated by family and friends and he will be remembered as a kind-hearted man devoted to his faith and his family.