Phillip (Phil) Curtis Bechard, 71, of Black Hawk, SD, passed away doing what he loved, sleeping, on November 9, 2022. Phil was born in Mitchell, SD, to Herman and Winnifred Bechard. He was the youngest of five sons. He spent his early years on the Bechard family homestead near Draper, SD. While he was in grade school the family moved to Wisconsin where his father operated a dairy farm for a number of years, before returning to Draper where Phil graduated from high school in 1969. After finishing high school, he attended automotive college in Denver, CO. In 1971 he enlisted in the United States Army and was later stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. While living in Germany Phil and his then wife, Wanda, welcomed his first child, Curtis, into the world in 1973. While serving his country Phil was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. He was also ranked as a Marksman. Phil was honorably discharged from the Army in 1974. Following his discharge, Phil returned to the family farm in Draper, SD, where he worked with his father and drove a school bus before moving back to Colorado with his second wife, Sheree, where he worked in a feedlot. In 1977 Phil and Sheree had his second son, Wayne. The couple later moved to Belle Fourche, SD, where Phil began his lifelong career as a truck driver. In 1980 his oldest daughter Stacee was born and shortly thereafter Phil relocated his family to Rapid City. Phil's youngest daughter, Amanda, was born in 1993. In 1995 Phil met his forever love, Sue. The pair went on to marry in August of 1996 and Phil added bonus children, Mario, Tyson, and Shelli into his life and his heart.

Phil was a man of many words and big opinions. He loved to tell elaborate stories, often on repeat. He was always ready with an, often inappropriate, joke and he loved to make people laugh. He could be described as aggressively friendly, striking up conversations with anyone and everyone wherever he went. He was generous with his knowledge and was willing to push up his sleeves and help, no matter the task. With his sparkling blue eyes and his quick wit, Phil was an unforgettable character. He learned to hunt and fish with his dad and older brothers as a young boy and never lost his love for the outdoors. He was happiest when holding a fishing pole or sighting in a rifle. He could back a semi-trailer into the tightest of spots without batting an eye. Phil was a consummate napper. He could often be found snoozing in a chair in the middle of a family function or snoring on the couch during the evening news. He was hardworking, loved fiercely, and stood up for what he believed in, regardless of what others thought.

In October of 2022, Phil won an all-expense paid buffalo hunting trip through a raffle at the American Legion in Piedmont, SD. He was over the moon about being able to take on an adventure of this magnitude. The hunt was scheduled to take place on November 21, 2022. In lieu of his recent passing, Phil's sons have been given the honor of going in his place.

Phil is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Winnifred Bechard; his in-laws, Harold and Ann Simpson; his oldest son, Curtis Bechard; and his brother, Ralph Bechard.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Bechard; his children, Wayne Bechard, Stacee (Wyatt) Compton, Amanda Bechard, Mario (Nancy) Volmer, Tyson (Katherine) Volmer, and Shelli Wellman; and his grandchildren, Genevra, Haxton, Ian, Chelsea, Nova, Taylan, Noah, Emma, and Carter; along with his 3 oldest brothers and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Phil on November 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery located at 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, SD. A Celebration of Life will be held following the service, at 12:00 p.m., at the Eagles Club located at 1410 East Centre St, Rapid City, SD.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer that you make a charitable donation to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation at https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org in honor of Phil's son Curtis.