Lawrence E. Bachelder

Athol – Lawrence E. Bachelder, 93, of 662 Spring Street, died Monday, April 4, 2011 at the Athol Memorial Hospital.        He was born in Athol, Massachusetts, June 1, 1917, the son of Charles W. and Leola C. (Whitaker) Bachelder.  He attended schools in Athol and has lived in Athol all his life, spending winters in Zephyrhills, Florida for 25 years.      Larry owned and operated Bachelder’s Automotive, first working with his father starting in 1931, later taking over the operation of the business.  He also operated a Mobil Service Station for many years, retiring in 1982.        He was a member of the Athol Congregational Church for over 70 years, serving on the Board of Trustees for many years, serving as Chairman for six of those years.  Larry was one of the original founders of the Church Country Fair in 1951.  He was a former member of the Athol Y.M.C.A. and the Athol Kiwanis Club.  He and his wife owned several motor homes, traveling to almost every state in the United States.      He leaves his wife of 71 years, Beverly (Gray) Bachelder; a son, Paul G. Bachelder and his friend Cynthia Cetto of Athol; a daughter, Judith Anne Bixler and her husband Richard of Arkansas City, AR; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by three brothers, Gordon, Clarence and Donald Bachelder and two sisters, Thelma Richards and Marion Acker.      A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Athol Congregational Church with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Prestwood-Taylor, interim pastor of the Athol Congregational Church officiating.  Burial will be at Central Cemetery in Orange at the convenience of the family.  There are no calling hours and in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to: the Athol Congregational Church, “Book of Memory” 1225 Chestnut Street, Athol, MA  01331.   $(document).ready(function(){ });