Christopher R. Beck

ILLIOPOLIS - The world is a lot sadder today knowing a truly fine man has gone from this earth. Christopher R. Beck, age 46, of Illiopolis passed away early Monday morning in his home after fighting an intense battle with cancer. Surviving are his wife Kimberly of Illiopolis and their daughter Cody Alexandria Beck of Illiopolis, father; Raymond E. Beck and wife Julie of Illiopolis, mother; Patricia Hodson and husband Alfred of Springfield, sisters; Carol (Stephen) Crawford and daughter Stephanie of Las Vegas, NV, Luann (Thomas) Hennessy of San Antonio, TX and their four sons, Thomas, Kevin, Jake and Joey, Georgia (Bruce) Gass of Illiopolis and their daughter Hannah, and April (Randy) Hiser of Niantic and daughters Lucy and Jessica, and sons, Kyle, Shane and Colin; stepsister Jennifer Leigh of Illiopolis and sons, Shawn and Noah. Chris was born April 30, 1959 in Macon County. Chris moved to Illiopolis with his family as a young boy and graduated from Illiopolis High School in 1978. Chris was employed by the railroad for many years. He was also a longtime employee of Thrall Car in Clinton until it closed. In recent years he worked at ADM. In 1981 Chris met his lifelong love, Kimberly and in 1983 Cody Alexandria came into their lives. Cody remained the focus of his life to his dying day. Chris was an accomplished outdoorsman and a skillful marksman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bow hunting, swimming, cycling, and golf. He was a natural athlete. Chris will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. In addition to being a gracious, kind, thoughtful man, he had a gentle soul and even bigger heart. He was a quiet man, but always had friends around him. He was a mentor to his nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2005 at Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home in Illiopolis, IL. Memorials Services will immediately follow at 8:00 p.m. Contributions can be made to American Cancer Society Lung Research. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/LegacyHome.asp