Willard M. Bechel, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at St. Francis Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 15, 1921, in Cape Girardeau, son of Albert Joseph and Ethel E. Rhodes Bechel. He and Rosely L. Kistner were married Jan. 7, 1937, at Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Mr. Bechel worked at Harris Motor Car Co., Towns Cadillac and Oldsmobile, and several other automobile dealerships. He owned and operated Cape Auto Mart and currently Cadillac Corner.

He attended Third Street United Methodist Church. He was a past member of Cape Evening Exchange Club and Elks Lodge 639. He received the Herman C. Todt Memorial Award from the Exchange Club.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter and son-in-law, Darlene and Bob Williams of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Kim and David Cappetta of St. Albans, Mo., and children, Elizabeth and Alexandra; Brad Williams of St. Charles, Mo., and children, Heather and Holden; Robin and Mike Farrow of Cape Girardeau and daughter, Jessica; Christopher and Brenda Williams of Patton, Mo., and children, Kelli and Adam; and Billy Williams of Cape Girardeau; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Wilma R. Bechel.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Janet Hopkins officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Park Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to Third Street United Methodist Church or charity of one's choice.