Charles D. Beckner

Charles “Chuck” Douglas Beckner, 92, of Noblesville, IN, passed away on November 2, 2020. He was born on January 23, 1928 to the late Ruby Violet Lee and the late Charles William Beckner. After the death of his mother at a very young age his father and many maternal aunts raised him. After a near fatal illness at the age of 17 he graduated from high school in 1947. Chuck moved to Washington D.C. to work and attend night school until he was drafted by the Army in 1950 and sent to the Mojave Desert station in California. After active duty he served in the Air Force Reserves for 6 years and attended California’s Northrup Nautical Institute. After graduation in 1956, as an aeronautical engineer, he worked for Convair in San Diego, North American (Rocketdyne) in Simi Valley and finally transferred to Cape Canaveral in 1965 as a lead engineer for the 2nd stage of the Saturn V for Apollo Missions 1 – 17.

Following the KSC layoffs in the early 1970s, Chuck had a successful career building nuclear refineries and cryogenic plants throughout North America for Bechtel, Lummus and Airco (Linde Corp.) While working in Indianapolis, IN he met and married his wife, Florene, in 1977. After Chuck’s retirement in 1993 they moved to Rockledge, FL and built a home in 1995. A lot of happy times were spent in this home with children and grandchildren, especially at Christmas.

Chuck volunteered with the Wuesthoff Hospital Auxiliary and the Saturn V Exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center during his time in Rockledge. Chuck and Florene also travelled the world during this time. In 2010 they moved to Noblesville, IN. Chuck’s hobbies included Model Railroading and Flying. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #514, Greenwood, IN, Shriners “500” Club, Murat Shriners, Scottish Rite and AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).

Survivors include: Wife of 43 years, Florene Beckner, Brother: Curt Beckner, Children: Teri Jamieson [Lew], Doug Beckner (Kandy) and Kathy Turner (Robin). Stepchildren: Michelle Graham (Matthew), Kristi Ryan (Dennis), Michael Morgan, Karen Morgan and Kathy Morgan Johnson. Grandchildren: Ashley Dement (Kevin), Krista Jamieson, Alissa Beckner, Kayla Beckner, Kerri Beckner, Johnathan Turner, Jacqueline Turner, Jove Beckner (Nicole), Erika Krumrei (Chris), Brita Wall, Rolf Graham, Leif Graham (Bryanna), Cole Ryan (Jennifer), Alexa Morningstar (Kyle), Marissa Campbell (Andrew) and 22 Great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his Stepmother: Janie Beckner, Son: Michael Beckner, Granddaughters: Angie Beckner and Lori Gearlds.

Masonic Service was previously held November 7, 2020 in Greenwood, IN. Visitation will be held at Florida Memorial Life Event Center, Rockledge, FL on November 14, 2020 from 10–11am. Private graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Hospital for Children.