Bobby Earl Behel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, died Sunday, October 28, 2012 from a sudden heart attack. He was 65. He served as staff- sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and with the Alabama Air National Guard afterwards. Bob was a member of the American Legion in Bear Creek, Alabama. He attended Northwest Alabama State Junior College and the University of North Alabama. Bob graduated from the University of Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in Tuscaloosa. He served as a police officer for the Bear Creek, Littleville and Haleyville police departments. He also worked for Columbus Butane in Haleyville. Bob was a member of the Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association. During his retirement, he enjoyed many hours prospecting, running his highbanker, and panning for gold. He found his first gold here in Alabama. Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 2012, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Pinkard Funeral Home, Haleyville. Funeral services will be Friday, November 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Behel Family Cemetery located near Bob’s home. He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Margaret Armstrong Behel and his three children: Cassandra Jean Behel Lyon (Eric Lyon), Robert Matthew Behel, and Rebecca Jane Behel Keeton. He will be missed dearly by his grandchildren: Chelsea Lyon Johnson (Junior,) Haley Keeton, Chandler “Pooh Bear” Bishop, Seth Lyon, Sara “Sally Cat” Bishop, Brandon Lyon, Samantha Lyon and Tristan Lyon. He is also survived by his father, Earl Edgar Behel, and two brothers, Jimmy Behel (Kaye) and Harold Behel (Gayle), two nieces, Britten Behel Howell (Coy), Summer Behel, and two great-nieces and one great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia Lee Clemmons Behel, his sister Sandra Kaye Behel and nephew, Bradley Chandler Behel.
