Paul G. Beckett

1921 - 2018

BORN

1921

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations

410 N. Webster Street

Wildwood, Florida

Paul Beckett Obituary

Paul Graham Beckett, 96, passed away Friday, June 15, 2018, at his home in The Villages, Fla. He was born Dec. 15, 1921, in Boggsville, Pa., the son of John G. Beckett and Anna E. (Thompson) Beckett. In 1945, he married Muriel E. Mateer, who passed away just days before their 62nd wedding anniversary in 2007. They are survived by three daughters, Diane (Robert) Stanko, of Wilmore, Ky., Karen (Donald) McNutt, of Womelsdorf, Pa., and Deborah Beckett, of The Villages, Fla.; five grandchildren, Brian (Sandra) Stanko, Patricia (William) Stanko Seil, Eric (Michelle) McNutt, Neal (Laura) McNutt, and Lauren (Eli) McNutt Walters; nine great-grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews. Paul grew up on the family farm in Boggsville, graduated from Freeport High School in 1940, served in the 101st Infantry Yankee Division during World War II, and was a prisoner of war during part of that time. After discharge and a short time studying aviation mechanics in Pittsburgh, Paul and Muriel moved back closer to home, where they ran a grocery store and gas station. Paul was an accomplished carpenter, building furniture and gifts as well as one of their homes and a service station. He drove school bus for several years, then drove for Harmony Short Line, Culmerville Bus Co., and Pittsburgh Port Authority Transit, where he retired as a dispatcher in 1983. Paul was an active member of his church in the various locations where he and Muriel lived, serving as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, and elder. They were charter members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Wildwood, Fla. Paul was also an author, writing his autobiography, "Barefoot, Shod, and Slippered," which was published in 2003. The first and second printings sold out, but a digital version is available online. In addition to his wife and parents, Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Wilbur (Isabel) Beckett; and three sisters, Mildred (Robert ) Maurer, Betty (George) Cockroft, and Nina Pearl Beckett (infant).
Viewing will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at BANKS/PAGE-THEUS FUNERAL HOME in Wildwood, Fla., and the service is at 10 a.m. Friday at Faith Presbyterian Church, Oxford, followed by burial at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Faith Presbyterian Church in Oxford, Fla.

Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Jun. 19, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Beckett

Not sure what to say?





Watching the D Day coverages obviously reminded me again of Paul! What a great example of the greatest generation he was!
I still feel proud to have known him!

Ray Drake

Friend

June 12, 2019

Mike and I joined Faith Presbyterian Church just 2 short years ago. Paul was one of the many who welcomed us with a smile and open arms. We valued Paul's spiritual insight in Sunday School. When Mike took over as sound man for the church, Paul made a point of calling and thanking Mike - saying Mike had things loud enough that he could hear every word. We talked for over half an hour - such an interesting, loving, caring man with a gracious Godly demeanor. Paul will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Dianne McMillan

June 24, 2018

Dear Deb,

I've known you basically all my life. I'm praying for you and yours as you go through this grief. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and give you strength and peace that passes understanding.

Thank you for being an example of faithfully honoring and loving your parents. It is always a blessing to see how God is working through you. You're my favorite lady pianist, and I'll never forget how patient and kind (loving like Jesus!) you were to me both in teaching Sunday School or piano when I was a brat...er...child. I hope that made you smile!

Hope we can laugh together soon as we rejoice in God's great work!

Faithfully your sister,
Gabi

G M

June 22, 2018

Dear Deb,
I've known you basically all my life. I'm praying for you and yours as you go through this grief. May the Holy Spirit comfort you and give you strength and peace that passes understanding.
Thank you for being an example of faithfully honoring and loving your parents. It is always a blessing to see how God is working through you. You're my favorite lady pianist, and I'll never forget how patient and kind (loving like Jesus!)you were to me when I was a brat...er...child. I hope that made you smile! Hope we can laugh together soon as we rejoice in God's great work!
Faithfully your sister,
Gabi

June 22, 2018

May God Bless you all. I will always cherish the memories I had with Paul and Muriel who stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Kittanning that I managed they were truly a wonderful couple.My deepest sympathy.

Mary Lasher

June 19, 2018

Deb the three or four times that I met your dad he was so gracious. You could just tell that he walked with the Lord. Thank you for your service to him. May God bless your family and friends.

George Gagalis

June 19, 2018

Enjoyed corresponding by email in years past. He sent me a copy of his book and I enjoyed reading it very much. He was a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed.

Dorothy Gowetski

Neighbor

June 19, 2018

Paul was a hero to me beside the fact that he was a war hero! I grew up idolizing him for the way he treated others and his overall demeanor! He drove bus for my father and he also gave me a job at his grocery store when I was a teenager! I was privileged to visit with he and Muriel a few years ago & got to play 9 holes of Golf with him.
There is no doubt that Heaven is a better place now that he has arrived! So sorry to hear of his passing.

Ray Drake

June 19, 2018

May God bless your family in this time of sorrow. We extend our deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,

Bob and Lisa (Frantz) Himes

June 19, 2018

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Paul Beckett's name

Memorial Events
for Paul Beckett

Jun

21

Viewing

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations

410 N. Webster Street, Wildwood, FL 34785

Jun

22

Service

10:00 a.m.

Faith Presbyterian Church

Oxford, PA

Funeral services provided by:

Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations

410 N. Webster Street, Wildwood, FL 34785

How to support Paul's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Paul Beckett's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more