Byron Franklin Chezem

Byron "Frank" Franklin Chezem, age 91, of Crawfordsville, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Ben Hur Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born on February 29, 1928 in Terre Haute to Ralph & Mary (Wallace) Chezem.

Byron graduated from Bellmore High School in 1946 and married the love of his life, Betty Jean Lighty, on December 30, 1967. Byron proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked as a printer at R.R. 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; a daughter, Franka (Ken) Welcher; a son, Troy Chezem, all of Crawfordsville; 4 sisters, Barbara Vandiever of Rockville, Marie Curts of Pittsboro, Shirley Moss of Covington, and Sue Schaibley of Rockville; 5 grandchildren, Kylie Chezem, Kaycie Welcher, Stefani Welcher, Lorne Welcher, and Lyndsay Welcher; 4 great grandchildren, Maddox Burton, Carter Daley, Benjamin Long, 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 4 brothers, George Chezem, Ralph Chezem, Dick Chezem, and Jack Chezem.

There will be a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hillsboro on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:00pm. Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society, 5635 West 96th Street Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN, 46278 in his memory. Sanders Priebe Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com