Paul James Bechler

Paul J. Bechler Of Norton Shores, Michigan, age 68, went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2022. Paul was the third born son Of Herman and Mary ( Medzigian) Bechler. Born and raised in Detroit, Paul graduated from Cody High School. Paul attended Cederville University, Wayne State University and graduated from the University of Michigan with a music degree. Paul did go on to get a graduate degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. Paul's amazing piano ability was revealed early as he became the church organist at the age of 12 at West Chicago Baptist Church. Playing for services and even weddings at such a young age. He knew he wanted to pursue church music and began to develop his piano skills as well as choral direction. Paul joined the staff of Calvary Baptist Church in 1976 and also was a charter member teacher at Plymouth Christian Academy. At 6'7" you can only imagine how the young students at PCA loved their big gentle giant "Mr. Paul". Paul married Sarah Mistele in December of 1978 and thus began decades of serving the church through Music Ministry. Paul took the Minister of Music position at First Baptist of Wayne in 1981 where he led the choir, childrens choir, played piano and so enjoyed shepherding such an amazing group of musicians. Paul continued to also teach vocal music at Plymouth Christian during these years. In 1985 Sarah and Paul welcomed Madison Ross to their family and then in 1989 Graham Shelton joined the family. In 1992 Paul accepted the call from Calvary Bible Church in Kalamazoo to be the Worship Pastor. In 1993 Aubrey Grace joined the family to make it complete. Paul served for 3 years in Kalamazoo before feeling called back the Detroit area. Paul started his Public School vocal music career in 1997 when he joined the Dearborn Public school system and then transferred to Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in 2000. He retired from Walled Lake schools in June of 2020. Another huge part of Pauls life was Maranatha Missionary and Bible Conference where he and Sarah served on the music staff every summer from 1990-2006. What a joy to serve alongside such talented and faithful servants. Having our children be able to take part in the childrens programs and then grow up to work summers at Maranatha was such a blessing!! Paul was also asked to be the pianist for Langsford Mens Chorus in 2013 and was the highlight of his musical career. He admired Director Steve Seagraves so much. We could go on and on about our amazing father, husband, brother but the most important part of Pauls life was his love and dedication to serving the Savior he loved so very much and is enjoying being in the presence of Jesus at this very moment.... We love and miss you Paul....we can't wait to all be together again singing around the throne of our amazing GREAT GOD!!!! A Memorial Service will be held at Highland Park Baptist Church, 28600 Lahser Rd., Southfield, MI 48034 on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11 AM. Please share a memory of Paul on his Tribute Wall.