F. Karl Beckh

F. Karl Beckh of Williamsburg, Va. died April 22, 2003. He was born in Richmond, Va. in 1901, where he was a furrier. He was the oldest grandson of Charles Haase, who established his fur business in Richmond in 1857. Karl was associated with Charles Haase and Sons until 1929, when he and his mother, Bertha Haase Beckh, established F. Karl Beckh and Company, which he owned and operated for 45 years. In retirement he continued a limited fur repair and related operations. While in business he was a member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, Richmond Retail Merchants Association and the Better Business Bureau. He was also a member of the Navy League and the Richmond Light Infantry Blues. Karl attended Richmond Public Schools and VPI Extension, and graduated from the Mitchell School of Fur Design in New York City. In addition to being a fur designer, his many years of experience made him a Master Furrier. Karl was a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ. He served on its church council and was president of the Men’s Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Bertha Haase Beckh; three sisters, Lizette B. Houlgrave, Helen B. Lawrence and Alice B. Martin. He is survived by his wife of 77 years, Ruth Will Beckh; three daughters, Jacqueline B. Price of Virginia Beach, Hilda B. Sherman of Williamsburg and Jean B. Robertson of Kingwood, Texas; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions if desired may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 503 North Lombardy St., Richmond, Va. 23220-3616. Arrangements by the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home.