Floyd Edward Beck

Floyd Edward Beck, longtime Cicero, IN resident and World War II hero, passed away May 29, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospice at Indianapolis.

He was born January 2, 1920 at Cicero, IN to John and Ida May (Moody) Beck. Growing up in Cicero during the Great Depression, he experience hardships with his family. On August 20, 1942 at the Noblesville Armory he was inducted into the Army Air Corp as an Airplane Mechanic Gunner. He took the position of tail gunner on a B24 named Skygrazer. They flew over 50 missions usually taking enemy fire. One of the most important bombing raids that Floyd and his crew flew was on August 1, 1943 when they participated in bombing German oil refineries in Romania. Their success at destroying this target was an important turning point in the war.

Mr. Beck shared memories of his flights, saying they they flew at 35,000 feet and the planes were very cold. They could take snacks, but nothing to drink as it would freeze. He became used to holes being shot in the plane and engines being destroyed in flight. Often the tires on the plane were flattened by enemy fire making landing very dangerous. Most dangerous was not being able to take evasive action until they had delivered their bombs so they were vulnerable to enemy attacks.

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Cicero, IN and became employed at Delco Remy where he worked for 33 years.

He was a member of Cicero Christian Church and the Cicero American Legion and Cicero VFW, all for many years. He was an avid euchre player and also enjoyed fishing and boating on Morse Lake. He was known for his humility, great sense of humor and extreme patriotism.

He married Vivian (Cranfield) Beck on December 1, 1944 while he was on leave. She preceded him in death October 5, 1998. In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by a son: Russell Edward Beck, brother: Howard Beck and sister: Cornelia Gibbons.

Surviving him is a son: David Lynn (Gloria) Beck of Brownsburg, IN, grandchildren: Stacey Preyss, Ryan Beck, Emily Miller, and Jason Beck, great grandchildren: Jenna Beck, Lauren Beck, Vivian Preyss, Luke Preyss, Ethan Preyss, Olivia Miller, Gage Miller, and Beck Miller.

Funeral services will be held Thursday May 31, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Hartley Funeral Homes Cicero Chapel, 209 West Jackson Street, Cicero, IN 46034 with Pastor Neal Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Cicero Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of the services. Memorial contributions may be made to Project ALS, 801 Riverside Drive, Suite 6C, New York , NY 10032. You may send condolences at http://www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com.

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