Richard Henry Becher

Richard Henry Becher, 94, passed away on June 2, 2022. He was born on May 3, 1928, in Botkins, Ohio, to the late Joseph A. Becher and Mary C. (Lenhart) Stoneburner. He was also preceded in death by stepfather Harlan Stoneburner, brothers Fred (Rose) and Paul (Mary Kay) Becher, and sisters Rose Swift (Paul), Mary Early, and Carolyn (Ed) Spiggle.

Richard was loved and admired by his entire family. Everyone respected the sacrifices, many jobs, and countless hours he worked to overcome obstacles so that he could provide for his family. He took great pride in his family. The love he had for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was always obvious. He was always there to be a mentor. The entire family benefited from the valuable life lessons he taught and passed on, including his great grandchildren. He was a man of many skills and was known as a “tinkerer”, “handyman”, and “fixer”. It seemed like he could fix anything that was broken, and he loved to do that for his family. Richard was also known as being a bit of a “stinker” and one knew to watch out when they saw that mischievous smile come across his face. That was the source of many laughs that will always be remembered. His family will always smile when they think of him.

He liked to build things. He built two homes in his lifetime and took great pride in his workmanship. The family was convinced that a tornado could not damage the homes he built because of his workmanship. He enjoyed using his skills to build many things for his family including nativity stables, birdhouses, furniture, shelves, and toolboxes. Those items will always be treasured by his family. He was an avid builder of model ships and Conestoga wagons. His Conestoga wagons have been displayed in Valley Forge and Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Monroe County, Indiana, and the Indiana State Museum.

He was an excellent athlete, especially in track and field. He was quite a sprinter and was known as “twinkle toes” at Speedway High School where he graduated. He played basketball for the United States Marine Corps where he enlisted after graduating from high school. He was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Martha; children, Michael (Bea) and Gayle Becher; stepchildren, Joseph (Becky) and Jason (Amanda) Loukota; grandchildren, Mark (Stephanie) and Jonathon (Sara) Becher; step grandchildren, Brittany and Jacob Loukota and Grant and Miranda Loukota; great grandchildren, Claire and Grant Becher and Addy and Elie Becher; and step great grandchild Marley Loukota. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Carol) and sister Elnora (Murl) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 9 from 9:30 to 11:30 with a Funeral Mass following at 11:30 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 17102 Spring Mill Road, Westfield, In 46074. Due to construction at the roundabout at Springmill and 169th, please use the North Side entrance of the church. If coming from the South, please use Ditch Road and use South entrance. Burial will immediately follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution to the Becher Family Scholarship Fund at Marian University or to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church.