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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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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
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Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations410 N. Webster Street, Wildwood, FL 34785
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Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations410 N. Webster Street, Wildwood, FL 34785
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