Byron “Frank” Franklin Chezem, 91, of Crawfordsville passed away Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019, at Ben Hur Nursing & Rehabilitation.
He was born Feb. 29, 1928, at Terre Haute, to Ralph and Mary (Wallace) Chezem.
Byron graduated from Bellmore High School in 1946 and married the love of his life, Betty Jean Lighty on Dec. 30, 1967. Byron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a printer at RR Donnelly's for 41 years and Walmart for 15 years. During his younger years he loved to drag race with his brother, ride his Gold Wing motorcycle, and loved being a mechanic. He could tear a car apart and put it back together with his eyes closed.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty Chezem; daughter Franka (Ken) Welcher; son Troy Chezem, all of Crawfordsville; four sisters, Barbara Vandiever of Rockville, Marie Curts of Pittsboro, Shirley Moss of Covington and Sue Schaibley of Rockville; five grandchildren, Kylie Chezem, Kaycie Welcher, Stefani Welcher, Lorne Welcher and Lyndsay Welcher; four great-grandchildren, Maddox Burton, Carter Daley, Benjamin Long and Jackson Long; and several nieces and nephews.
Byron is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Mildred McHargue, Mary Chezem and Jeanette Chezem; and four brothers, George Chezem, Ralph Chezem, Dick Chezem and Jack Chezem.
There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at Rose Hill Cemetery, Hillsboro.
Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN, 46278 in his memory. Sanders Priebe Funeral Care entrusted with care.
Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.
