Thomas L. Lechner, age 90, of Jasper

Thomas L. Lechner, age 90, of Jasper, Indiana, passed away at 10:06 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021, at home, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

Tom was born in Jasper, Indiana, on August 4, 1930, to Lawrence and Mathilda (Sermersheim) Lechner.  He married his beloved wife of 67 years,  Betty Ann Mehringer on April 11, 1953, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana. 

He was a United States Air Force Veteran, serving during the Korean War.

He was the superintendent of the Dubois County Farm from 1964 until 1977 when the farm was sold.  After that Tom worked for the Dubois County Highway Department.  He then worked for Dennis Prechtel's coal mine which turned into Nerco Coal Mine.  Tom worked for Nerco until retirement.  After retirement he spent time helping his son-in-law farm and was always willing to lend a helping hand to his other family and friends.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, and a Lifetime Member of the American Legion Post #147, Jasper Moose, Jasper Outdoor Recreation, and Jasper K of C.  

Tom enjoyed farming, gardening, woodworking, playing cards, travelling to Florida, which they did in the winters for 20 years, and spending time with his wife, family and friends.  He and his wife Betty Ann had a love for dancing, and they were always noticed on the dance floor for their grace while dancing the Waltz and the Polka.  He and Betty Ann were always last on the dance floor exhibiting being married the longest among couples on the floor.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Ann Lechner, Jasper, IN, six children, Bonnie (Donald) Schwenk, Ireland, IN, Thomas Jr. (Christine) Lechner, Chandler, IN, RoxAnne (Jim) Cockerill, Salem, IN, Kim (Don) Basham, Fordsville, KY, Dina Lechner, Jasper, IN, John (Robbi) Lechner, Duff, IN, one daughter-in-law, Linda Yocum, Schnellville, IN, 19 grandchildren, three step grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 14 step great grandchildren, and two sisters, Lila Buechler, St. Anthony, IN, Patty Weisheit, Jasper, IN.

Preceding him in death are two daughters, Brenda Kay Lechner, Mary Bernadette Lechner, one son, Roy Yocum, one grandson, Jesse Lechner, four sisters, Bert Renner, Bernie Schnell, Delores "Toots" Schuler, Jeannie Hasenour, and three brothers, Wilfred "Wif", Eddie, and Donnie Lechner.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Thomas L. Lechner will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper.  The American Legion Post #147 will conduct military gravesite rights.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana.   St. Joseph's Catholic Church will pray a rosary at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Heart to Heart Hospice, Dubois County Community Foundation,  or to a favorite charity.