George Richard "Dick" Beckey, 84, of Springfield, died at 7:45 p.m., Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, at Villa East Healthcare in Sherman.

He was born May 13, 1926, in Springfield, to George H. and Ina Louise King Beckey. He married his wife, Elsie Mae Ballard, on June 10, 1956, in Roodhouse, and she survives.

He is also survived by his two sisters, June (Tom) Brackett of Bluffs and Mary Lou (Myron) Scott of Jacksonville; two nieces, Deborah Foust of Bluffs and Toni (Alan) Mallicoat of Jacksonville; three nephews, Stephen (Lou Ann) Scott of Mount Carmel, Lee Korty and Bert Morton of Springfield and Tom (Carol) Korty of Springfield; and several other nieces and nephews.

George was a resident of Springfield since 1956, before that time he resided in Bluffs. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II in the European Theater, 70th Infantry Division from 1944-1946. He received the Purple Heart Medal. He was a barber by trade upon returning from military service. He worked as a security guard for the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State from 1953 until retirement in 1986. George was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, American Legion, Disabled Veterans Association Post 15, Illinois Police Association and the Jacksonville Moose Lodge 865. George will be remembered as a loving husband, terrific brother and for the many friendships made throughout his life. He enjoyed doing "big" and "little" deeds for others.

Memorial gathering will be from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday at Staab Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held 12 p.m. Friday at Staab Funeral Home. The Rev. Rita Nafziger will officiate. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail will conduct military honors. The family requests memorials be made to the Illinois chapter of the American Heart Association or a charity of donor's choice. Visit StaabObituary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Jacksonville Journal-Courier on Dec. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for George Beckey

12 Entries

Jim Douglas

December 13, 2010

Elsie,
So sorry to hear about Dick's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Aunt Dot called to let us know. Sorry we couldn't be closer to you so we could have come to the funeral. Thanks for the Christmas card
Jim and Linda Douglas

Karen Kaehlert

December 10, 2010

Elsie, so sorry to hear of Dick's death. Sharon told me about it. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. Karen Kaehlert

Mark O'Brien

December 10, 2010

To Mr. Beckey's Family, my condolences. I worked at the State House and saw "Beckey" every day. He was a wonderful person and always had a joke or story to share. Seeing him every day made work easier to bear. I know you will miss him.

AVS AVS

December 10, 2010

We all love you to bits, Elsie. So sorry to hear about Dick.
Thinking of you. Hugs and Support, The Antique Vehicle Show.

Donna Weller

December 10, 2010

Dearest Elsie you are in my heart and all of my prayers. Sorry for your loss. If you need me call and I will be there. My number is 217-691-2560.

Love Donna Weller

December 8, 2010

Elsie, so sorry to hear of George's death. We will be in touch with you later. Thanks for letting us know. Ron and Sharon Huntley - Lebanon, Ohio

December 8, 2010

Dear Elsie, I was sorry to hear of Dick's death. I have such fond memories of working with you a thousand years ago in Public Information at the state and Dick "guarding" us. He was a wonderful man. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Downey

Connie Vail

December 8, 2010

Dear Elsie,

I am so sorry to hear about Dick. We enjoyed so many times together with Mom & Robert. Please send me your address & phone. You can contact me at 217-652-6909, email at [email protected] or regular mail 402 E. Phoenix, Bloomington, IL. 61701 I would love to get togther with you.
Love,
Connie

Natalie Vail Schmidt

December 8, 2010

Dear Elsie,

I am very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts prayers.

Greg Hurst

December 6, 2010

Dear Elsie,

We are very sorry to hear of George passing. Please accept our dearest condolences. We will always remember how much he enjoyed his pets. He was always so appreciative of everyone.
Peace be with all of you.

From the entire staff at White Oaks West Animal Hospital

Julie Sullivan

December 6, 2010

Elsie
So sorry to hear about George. I have many wonderful memories from the numerous Crown Tours bus trips. What a wonderful man. Always with a smile on his face and happy to see you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Doris Payton

December 6, 2010

So sorry to hear of Georges passing..He was a wonderful funny guy.. I remember him back when my brothers and i were children (Ron,Ken and Doris Ballow)George was a great friend to our mom and dad.On Halloween one year he jumped out of the woods with a sheet over him and scared the crap out of us kids .. He was so much fun.. We will never forget him.. We feel so blessed to have known such a great person..

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