| Notes |
- The Arizona Republic
August 10, 2008
Van E. Beck, 99, died August 7, 2008. He was born in Prairie Grove, Arkansas on 27 January 1909.
His family, cotton farmers, moved with the drought to Oklahoma, West Texas, Tularie, California and finally settled in Gilbert in 1928. He graduated with honors from Mesa Unified High in 1929 - lettering in baseball, basketball, and track. His first "real job", besides hoeing cotton, was as an elevator operator in the old Security Building in downtown Phoenix.
On $38 per month he bought a house and married his childhood sweetheart, Carrie Marie Nichols of Gilbert.
In 1935, Van began a 40 year career with Standard Oil of California, rising to station manager in Phoenix, then bulk plant manager on the "high line" in Holbrook, and finally as senior accountant in the home office in Phoenix.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Carrie Marie Nichols and his four brothers; Clarence, Cliff, Vic and Bill. He is survived by his second, loving wife of 24 years; June Williams Coyle Beck of Chandler, and his two sons, Roger (Marilyn) and Dennis (Judie); four grandsons; William, Timothy, Robert and Thomas; 5 great-grandchildren; and by 2 step-daughters; Carolyn and Gail (Kelly).
He was a loving husband, a devoted father, a charter Sun Angel, a faithful Christian example and member of the Church of Christ.
|
1909 - 2008 (99 years)
[1, 2] 
