FRANKLIN
Roy Edward Bechman, 92, of Franklin, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at Franklin United Methodist Community.
Born June 17, 1922, in a house in Providence in Johnson County, Roy was the son of George E. Bechman and Bonnie (Wright) Bechman.
On Aug. 10, 1946, in a chapel at Chanute Field Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, he married Bernice A. Barthelme Bechman. She preceded him in death June 20, 2002.
Roy was a 1940 graduate of Columbus High School and a member of the 44-F graduating class at Freeman Field in Seymour on June 27, 1944. He was the first Bartholomew County cadet to take flight training at Freeman Field.
Roy was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, serving in the European Theatre based in England and flying 38 missions over Germany. He also was recalled for service during the Korean War and was in Japan for six months.
After serving his country, Roy was a farmer for many years in Bartholomew and Johnson counties. After farming, he was employed as the farm store manager for Farmers Marketing Association in Columbus for many years. With a continued interest in farming, he then went to work for Schafstall Farm Builders in Columbus, selling Farm Fans grain dryers. He attended Union Christian Church in Franklin.
Survivors include four sons, Terry J. (Connie) Bechman of Churubusco, Steve L. (Debbie) Bechman of Franklin, Ron G. (Cindy) Bechman of Cumberland and Rick L. (Carol) Bechman of New Whiteland; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Robert Bechman; and a sister, Martha Wilds.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, with the Rev. Allen Whitehurst officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood with full military honors.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana 4-H Foundation, 615 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at swartzmortuary.com.