OMAHA, Neb.—Frank J. Besch, president and CEO of Barnett & Ramel Optical, died in an automobile crash near Omaha on Nov. 21. He was 54 years old.

Besch was a passenger in a pickup truck driven by his friend and colleague George Trobaugh, who was also killed in the crash. Icy road conditions contributed to the accident, according to local authorities.

Besch was born on Dec. 23, 1958 in Omaha to Keith and Janice (Day) Besch. He grew up in Omaha where he attended Rockbrook grade school and graduated from Millard High School in 1976. He attended University of Omaha for one year.

In his early teens, Besch began working in the mail room at Barnett & Ramel’s Omaha branch, which was owned by his father. He later worked in many different capacities before becoming president and CEO, a position he continued to hold following Barnett & Ramel’s acquisition by Essilor in 2009.

Besch is survived by his wife Sandie; daughters Trina (Clint) Sedivy and Brandy; parents Keith and Janice Besch; grandmother Gertrude Day; sisters Annie Besch and Jennie Besch.