Robert D. Beecheler, 79, of Lorain, died Sunday, June 6, 2004, at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, following a brief illness.
He was born on May 26, 1925 in Lorain and was a life long resident. He graduated from Lorain High School in the class of 1943-B and attended Toledo University for two years. He was a member and past head deacon of Christian Temple Disciples of Christ. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World Was II, serving aboard the USS Iowa. He received the Victory and American Campaign medals, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 12 Bronze Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and two Bronze Stars.
Beecheler retired in 1987 from the Lorain Public School system after 17 years service. He taught Electricity at Admiral King and also taught night school course on small appliance repair. He owned and operated the former Bob's Appliances on Elyria Avenue and a gas station on Long Avenue at 17th Street, both in Lorain.
He was pasr commander of American Legion Post 30 and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wasr Poat451, both in Lorain; and a past president of Veterans Council and past chef degare of 40&8 Club No.149.
He was a member of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Auxiliary, USS Iowa Association and Senior Fellowship Club of Lorain and had been Veteran of the Year in 1970 and Legionnaire of the year.
Survivors include his wife, Linda S. Campo-Beecheler; daughters; Robin D. Kopronica and Ether D. Miller, both of Lorain; stepdaughter Lysa S. Welfer of Hobart, In.; stepson, William B. Kallas of Lorain; brother William C. Beecheler of Oberlin; and seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Terry I. (Brickman) in 1994; his parents Carl W. and Ethel M. (Pratt) Beecheler; brother Leon Coffland; his step mother Ella B. Beecheler; and one great-grandson.
Friends may call Wednesdat, 5 to 9 p.m. at Swartz, Spence, Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals, 1124 W. Fifth St. Lorain. Friends may call Thursday from noon until service at 1 p.m. in Christian Temple Disciples of Christ, 940 W. Fifth St, Lorain. The Rev. Bradley J. Danahue, pastor will officiate. Burial with military honors by Legion Post 30 and VFW Post 451 will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain.