Claude “Bub” Becktell, Jr. (Major, U.S.A.F., ret.), 95, passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Henry County Hospital in New Castle.
He was born on September 8, 1922 in Muncie, the son of Claude and Lillian B. Becktell, Sr. and graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1940. On April 9, 1983 in Hagerstown, he married Phyllis E. Hay. Bub served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and Korea, retiring at the rank of Major after 20 years of service in 1962.
After he retired from the Air Force, Bub flew Leer Jets for Executive Jets Company in Columbus, Ohio for 23 years. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion and was a Kentucky Colonel.
Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Phyllis E. Becktell of Hagerstown; two children, Philip Hay (wife, Elizabeth) of Franklin, KY and Cookie Neal (husband, Sam) of Lafayette, TN; former son-in-law, Gary Stout (wife, Barb) of Connersville; two grandchildren, Kirby Stout of Bloomington and Stephanie Stout of Richmond; two great-grandchildren, Allison and Nicholas Stout; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Gerene I. Becktell in 1980; grandson, Trevor Stout; and three sisters, Bonnie Hamilton, Maxine Petro and Nancy True.
There will be no services and cremation will take place. Private burial will be held at a later date in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Memorial contributions may be directed to American Legion Post #333, 615 W. Main Street, Hagerstown, IN 47346.
The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.