Robert D. Beck
July 22, 1929 - October 07, 2017
Robert D. Beck (R.D.), Lawton, was born July 22, 1929 in Centrahoma, Oklahoma to James (Jim) and Maggie Beck. He passed away peacefully with family on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the age of 88. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 13, 2017 at 9:00am in the Whinery-Huddleston Chapel. Burial will follow at the Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma, under direction of Whinery-Huddleston Funeral Service.
R.D. grew up in a family of 12 children on a farm in central Oklahoma. It was during these early years that his work ethic and strong family values were instilled into his daily life. R.D. would often speak of helping his father, Jim Beck, in the planting and harvesting of crops and in the care and management of the farm animals. R.D. married his childhood sweetheart, Pauline, on March 10, 1952, in Stonewall, Oklahoma. Before Pauline’s passing, they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. Together they had 3 children: Robert, Patricia (Trish) and Annette.
R.D. was a devoted husband and was a concerned and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He left the farm and enlisted in the US Army in 1948. He served his country and retired as a SFC E-6 after 20 years of service to include a tour overseas to Thailand during the early years of the Vietnam War. After his retirement, the family resided in Lawton, Oklahoma.
R.D. was born under the sign of Cancer. Cancerians belong to one of the most caring and sensitive signs in the zodiac and Cancerians are known to be homebodies. This sign epitomized R.D., as he lovingly ensured that every home his family occupied was comfortable and that his family was safe and secure. He often spoke of his favorite assignment which was Panama. During this tour his wife, Pauline, and he were baptized into the Baptist church.
After retiring from the US Army, he studied and became a barber; eventually opening his own shop. His clientele were so devoted to him that when he decided to retire at the age of 60, he worked part-time till his FULL retirement at the age of 65. Clients would still call his home seeking that one last haircut.
R.D. was an avid caretaker of Purple Martins. With his wife, Pauline, they installed nesting castles in the backyard of their homes in Lawton. Purple Martins require manmade nests to survive. R.D. and Pauline would sit for hours on their back porch enjoying the Purple Martins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Maggie; his wife, Pauline; his daughter, Annette Hessin; and 4 brothers and 5 sisters.
Survivors include his SISTERS Vivian Silverwood and Verda McDaniels; CHILDREN: Robert D. Beck, Jr., and wife Sue Logan Beck; and Patricia (Trish) Beck-Gutierrez; GRANDCHILDREN: Jonathan Beck and wife Carmen; Alex Beck; Amanda Gutierrez-Thorsen and husband Tray; Hannah Hessin; and Matthew Hessin; GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Justin Eric Thorsen and Mary Elizabeth Beck; NEPHEWS: Thomas Beck and wife Shelia, and James Beck and wife Virginia; NEICES: IngeMae Beck-Glass; and numerous extended family members and friends.
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