FRANKLIN
Roy Edward Bechman, 92, of Franklin, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at the Franklin United Methodist Community.
He was born June 17, 1922, in a house in Providence in Johnson County to George E. Bechman and Bonnie (Wright) Bechman.
He 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 Forces during World War II, serving in the European theater based in England and flying 38 missions over Germany. He was recalled for service during the Korean War and was in Japan for six months.
He married Bernice A. (Barthelme) Bechman on Aug. 10, 1946, in a chapel at Chanute Field Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. She preceded him in death June 20, 2002.
After serving his country, Roy was a farmer for many years in Bartholomew and Johnson counties. After farming, Roy was employed as the farm store manager for Farmers Marketing Association in Columbus for many years.
With a continued interest in farming, Roy 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. Bechman (Connie) of Churubusco, Steve L. Bechman (Debbie) of Franklin, Ron G. Bechman (Cindy) of Cumberland and Rick L. Bechman (Carol) 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 Rev. Allen Whitehurst will conduct a service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. Morton St. (U.S. 31 South) in Franklin. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Greenwood with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana 4-H Foundation, 615 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.
Information: 738-0202
