- Date Of Birth: April 24, 1927
- Date Of Death: June 26, 2015
- State: Indiana
Francis (Frank) Becher at the age of 88 transitioned into his next life on Friday June 26, 2015 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was born in St. Meinrad, Indiana April 24, 1927 to Herbert and Frances (Meyer) Becher.
Frank served his country in the US Army from 1945-1947 and was stationed in Europe at the end of WWII. Frank attended Purdue University and graduated as a Civil Engineer in 1949. He married Mildred Merkley August 19, 1950 and she preceded him in death Sept 22,1998 after 48 years together. A Professional Engineer his entire working career of 47 years was at Vincennes Steel he served with many titles and responsibilities as Chief Engineer, Production Manager, and V.P. of Production. Frank lived in Vincennes for 57 years and was active and served on various civic, religious, and community committees and boards.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Lay Minister, and was awarded membership into the Brute Society in 2003 in recognition for a Lifetime of Exemplary Stewardship. Through the years he was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, VFW, National Civil Engineering Society, Lincoln High School Building Committee, and with Vincennes University on Special Projects. He was known for sharing freely his knowledge and engineering abilities to help with many projects and needs. Frank loved playing sports, and was a avid baseball player as a young man.
When it came to playing Euchre there was no one better and few partners knowledgeable to play with him. Deer hunting was his annual passion well into his 80’s. An avid fisherman and enjoyed many male bonding fishing trips with family and friends in North America. Frank was a “Mans- man” and believed as the Patriarch of his family he needed to protect and safeguard all of his family. He was a humble and very private man who preferred modeling his beliefs of hard work, and family values. He loved having fun and being funny and cheered up all those around him.
He could be decisive, concise, and hard to please with his exacting nature. He shared all of his love with his beloved Millie, his children, grand children and great grandsons. He was loved, adored, respected, and one of a kind.
Surviving are his four children and spouses: Kathy & Bob Lee of Champaign, IL; Marge & Brian Herrmann of Mt. Vernon, IN, Steve & Michelle Becher of Winston-Salem, NC & Carol & Phillip Payne of Clarksville, TN. Six grandchildren, Lindsay Becher, Allison Becher, Emily Becher, Kelsey Lee and her husband, Peter Schamber, Abbigail Rapp, and Brenton Herrmann. Two great-grandsons (“His Buddies”) Dalin and Peyton. Frank is also survived by his brothers, sisters and in laws, Bill & Pat Becher, Don & Mary Becher, Germaine & Renus Graman, Becky Price, Judy & Jerry Doyle, and Nancy & Dave Lasher. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister in law: Lee & Joan Becher, a sister and brother in law: Virlee & Gary McMahon and a brother in law, Marlin Price.
