Robert D. Beecheler, 79, WWII Veteran, Lorain Schools Retiree

Mr. Beecheler was born on May 26, 1925 in Lorain and was a lifelong resident. He was a 1943 B graduate of Lorain High School. He also attended Toledo University for two years. He was an active member of the Christian Temple Disciples of Christ. He had been the head deacon for the church.

He was a US Navy veteran serving on the USS Iowa during World War II. He received the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 12 Bronze stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars.

Mr. Beecheler retired in 1987 from the Lorain Public School system after 17 years of service. He also had taught electricity at Admiral King and taught night school courses on small appliance repair. He owned and operated the former Bob's Appliances on Elyria Avenue in Lorain. He also owned and operated a gas station on Long Avenue at 17th Street.

He was a past commander of the American Legion Post # 30, Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 451, past president of the Veterans Council, a member of Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, Veteran of the Year 1970, Legionnaire of the Year, USS Iowa Association, Senior Fellowship Club of Lorain, and a Past Chef DeGare- 40 & 8 Club # 149.

He served on the Board of Directors for the former Lorain Credit Union (Lormet). He was the parade marshal for the Lorain Memorial Day Parade from 1950-1963. Mr. Beecheler also chaired the committee responsible for placing flags on Veterans Graves in Elmwood Cemetery for Memorial Day. He was a shuttle bus volunteer at Community Hospital, Second Harvest Food Bank, and helped serve food at the 1st Congregational Church.

Mr. Beecheler is survived by his wife Linda S. Campo-Beecheler, daughters, Robin D. Kopronica, Ethel D. Miller both of Lorain and step-daughter Lysa S. Welfer of Hobart, IN, step-son, Will B Kallas of Lorain, Ohio, 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and his brother William C. Beecheler of Oberlin, Ohio.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Terry I. (nee Brickman) Beecheler in 1994, a great grandson Robert Sherman in 2000, his parents Carl W. and Ethel M. (nee Pratt) Beecheler, his brother Leon Coffland and his stepmother Ella B. Beecheler.

Friends may call at Schwartz Spence Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 W. 5th Street, Lorain, on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 from 5-9 p.m. The family will again receive friends on June 10, 2004 from noon until funeral time at 1:00 p.m. in Christian Temple Disciples of Christ, 940 W. 5th Street, Lorain, OH, with Rev. Bradley J. Donahue, pastor officiating.

Robert D. Beecheler will be buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Lorain, OH with full military honors provided by joint honor guard from American Legion Post # 30 and the VFW Post 451.

The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Lorain County JVS Educational Foundation, 15181 State Route 58, Oberlin, Ohio 44074, attention Robert D. Beecheler Fund. This fund is to be used for scholarships for children of veterans attending the JVS