Joseph Michael Bechaud was born July 29, 1949, in Port Arthur, Texas, the son of Jean Pierre Bechaud and Mary Louise Freudiger Bechaud. He passed away on September 27, 2024, at his residence in Cushing, Texas. He was 75 years of age.
Mike joined the United States Marine Corps on 4 April 1968. He received an honorable discharge on 3 April 1974, due to injuries he sustained in combat. He attained the rank of Corporal (E-4) and his military occupation was as a mortar man and technician of small arms. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Rifle Marksman Badge.
Mike held a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Houston and worked as a graphic design artist and then as a career Special Agent for 25 years for the FBI. He enjoyed all the music from the 1960s and 70s Rock Period, enjoyed playing the guitar himself, and was a talented artist-painting pictures that his family enjoyed. He was very patriotic and loved his country that he had fought to protect.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Hernandez) Bechaud of Cushing, Texas, daughter, Kristi Bradley and her husband Roy of Nacogdoches, Texas and grandchildren: Jade Benedix and Aaron, Claire, James and Benjamin Bradley.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 7th at 1:00 p.m. in the Sunset Chapel of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.
