Robert Keith Beck
Robert Keith Beck, 85, of rural Whitley County, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Village of Sycamore, Allen County.
Born on July 6, 1929, in Huntington County, he was the son of Gerald S. and Ruth D. (Wilson) Beck.
He is a lifetime resident of Whitley County and attended first grade in Bippus and second grade through twelfth grade at Washington Center High School, graduating with the Class of 1948. His favorite subject in elementary school was recess, but in high school it was Agriculture Class. As a young boy he raised rabbits. Bob’s favorite childhood memory was when his dad made a box for him to stand on to harness the horses. They farmed with horses until 1946. He served as a corporal with the United States Army during the Korean War, Jan. 19, 1951 and was discharged on October 18, 1952.
He worked at Peabody Seating, North Manchester for 9 years, General Electric, Fort Wayne, for 14 years and was a general farmer. He drove a milk route for 15 years picking up milk cans and taking them to Central Dairy, Home Dairy, Peoples Dairy and Eskay Dairy. and milk hauler. Bob was a member of Laud Christian Church and American Legion Post # 98, Columbia City.
He also liked to read the newspaper and tried to read it every day. When Bob was asked about any accomplishments, he said it would be having a great family. This ia a wonderful testimony about his parents and siblings. And one of his favorite adult memories was the family were always together. Bob was known to be a jokester and loved to kid others.
In expressing himself and his humor he for many years kept a picture hung in his home with the following quote…”Bald is beautiful, God made only so many perfect heads, the rest he covered with hair.” He enjoyed life and always wore a big smile. When he would be asked to give advice he would always tell you “to behave.” Among Bob’s favorite things in life, besides his loving family, was the color red, hotdogs, apples and roses. He was selected as the resident of the month at Sycamore Village in July 2010.
Survivors include eight brothers and sisters, including: Richard E. Beck, Fort Wayne, Bonnie L. (Max) Hollenbaugh, Columbia City; Carolyn S. Roby, Fort Wayne; Marilyn A. (Ron) King, South Whitley; Jerry L. Beck, Fort Wayne; Larry S. Beck, Columbia City; Rex A. (Margaret) Beck, Churubusco; and Gary L. (Debra) Beck, Roanoke. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: two sisters: Donna M. Beck; and Mary A. Weybright.
Visitation is from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, May 8, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, Columbia City. There will also be an hour of visitation before the funeral, which begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, also at the funeral home. Pastor Thomas Beck will officiate. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery. Graveside Military Rites will be conducted by the Korean War Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Memorials may be given in memory of Mr. Beck to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home.