Francis “Frank” Becht peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 26, 1930. His parents were, Gustave Becht and Loretta Gingras Becht. He was the oldest of eleven and grew up in Southern Indiana.
Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, philanthropist and friend to many. He served in U.S. Navy in Jacksonville at the Naval Air Station during the Korean Conflict. He was a successful business owner of the Patterson Becht Insurance Agency for 28 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 62 years. He was the Past Grand Knight of Bishop W. Thomas Larkin Council 472. He was an active member of Christ the King Parish, a founding member of Nocturnal Adoration in 1962, Small Group Chairman of the Renew program in 1984 and an avid writer for the church quarterly newspaper, the Courier. He served on the board and as a member of the Catholic Charities of Jacksonville for 18 years.
He is survived by Betty, his wife of 64 years, several brothers and sisters, his children, Denise Oliveria (Captain David Oliveria) Karen Curry (Karl), Captain Gregory Becht (John Gray), Stefanie Saliva (Gus), Michelle Becht, Jason Becht (Brianne), 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He lived by the motto of “Of All the Love Far and Near, A Family’s Love is Most Dear.”
There will be a vigil service for family and friends at Arlington Park Funeral Home on Friday, January 26th from 5-8 pm. Rosary at 6 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 27th at Christ the King Catholic Church at 2 pm. Burial service immediately following mass. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to Knights of Columbus Council 4727 or St. Vincent’s DePaul at Christ the King.