Tombstone Tuesday–Clarence Becher

Clarence Becher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

Clarence Becher, Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. (2011 photo by Karen)

This is the tombstone of Clarence Becher, located in row 5 of Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Chattanooga, Mercer County, Ohio. The marker is inscribed:

1897-1972
CLARENCE BECHER

Clarence is buried immediately to the south of his brother Odis “Hod” Becher. Both markers are in the same row and on the same cement slab.

According to the church records of Zion Lutheran Chatt, Clarence Eduard Becher was born 8 December 1897 to George and Maria (Schlenker) Becher. He was baptized 1 January 1898. Maria Becher was his sponsor and the minister was Rev. August Affeld.

While looking for his baptismal record I noticed that Clarence Oliver Rehman Becher was born to Jacob and Maria (Kettenring) Becher on 20 July 1879. I imagine that was very confusing and it reminds us that we need to be aware that there may be duplicate names in the same area. Imagine duplicate names in the same church! It appears that the other Clarence went by the name of Raymond.

Clarence Eduard Becher was confirmed on 9 April 1911 by Rev. George Haas. Raymond, Albert and Cary/Carrie Becher were also in this confirmation class. Albert was the son of John and Friedericke (Mamber) Becher and Cary/Carrie was the daughter of Henry and Rosina (Schlenker) Becher. In their confirmation photo below, Clarence E. Becher is in row 2, at the far left and Cary/Carrie Becher is the girl in the second row to the far right.

1911 Confirmation class, Zion Lutheran Chatt. Clarence Becher far left row 2.

1911 Confirmation class, Zion Lutheran Chatt. Clarence Becher far left row 2.

The church records indicate that Clarence E. Becher died 19 January 1972 and was buried 22 January. He was 74 years old. Two sisters as well as nieces and nephews survived him. His funeral text was Matthew 28:19,20 and Psalm 23:4-6. The Rev. Ralph Hershberger officiated at the funeral.

Obituary:

Clarence Becher
Rockford—Clarence Becher, 74, of Coldwater died at 9:15 p.m. Wednesday in Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater. He had been a patient there four years.

He was the son of George and Mary Schlenker Becher. Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Cletus (Lucille) Menchofer of Coldwater.

He was a retired farmer in Liberty Township and a member of Zion Lutheran Church at Chattanooga.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday in Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, here, Rev. Ralph Hershberger officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. [1]

Clarence Becher; his brother Odas "Hod" Becher's marker to the left. (2011 photo by Karen)

Clarence Becher & his brother Odas “Hod” Becher’s marker to the left. (2011 photo by Karen)

According to Zion’s records five children were born to George and Mary Schlenker) Becher: Mable Louise, William Clarence, Odas and Lucille.

In 1940 Clarence was living with his widowed mother and brother Odas in Chattanooga. He was single, 43 years of age, and his highest level of education was eighth grade. His occupation was given as a farmer. [2]

[1] The Lima News, Lima, Ohio, 20 Jan 1972, p.2, digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 March 2013).

[2] 1940 U.S. Census, Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, Enumeration District 54-22, p.3A, line 39, house order 51, Mary Becher, digital image by subscription, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 February 2013); National Archives microfilm T627, roll 3114.

2 comments

  1. Is row 5 closest to the church (West side) or farthest from tthe church (East side)?

    1. I have the rows as starting on the west side of the cemetery, so row one would be closest to the church.

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