Richard A. "Pete" Beck

Richard A. (Pete) Beck, born October 14, 1933 in VanBuren, Indiana to Charlene and Flynn Beck, passed away on August 13, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.

Pete graduated from Fairmount High School in 1951. He lettered in track, basketball and baseball. He attended Earlham College for one year and played football for the first time in his life and lettered in basketball. After the one year at Earlham, he joined the United States Air Force and spent 4 years as a Staff Sergeant stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan. His athletic prowess shone through in the Air Force as well, he played base level basketball and his team was the Japan Air Force Conference Champions. After his first two years in Japan, he so missed his childhood sweetheart, Jill Corn and he requested her hand in marriage. Jill flew to Japan after nearly two years of waiting for paperwork completion. They were married in Japan on November 27, 1955. Their daughter, Kelley Ann arrived on October 3, 1956, bringing her back to their home surrounded by rice paddies.

Pete would always state with pride, those four years in the Air Force, paid for his college education. Upon returning to the U.S., Pete completed a Masters degree in teaching at Ball State University. His first teaching job was at Fairmount High School (3 years) followed by a 27 year teaching career at Oak Hill High School. Coaching was on the same level as teaching for Pete. He coached football, baseball, basketball and was active in many other sports with his “what can I do to help” attitude.

Pete followed his desire to hold public office in the state of Indiana as a State Representative. He proudly held this office from November 5, 1986 to November 4, 1992. He was well liked and respected by the communities in his district.

Pete also played an integral part in developing the River walk trail in Marion and also Indiana’s Garfield Trail, featuring more than two dozen statues of the comic legend.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Charlene and Flynn Beck, older brother George and his wife Leah Beck, older brother Bill and his wife Roma Beck, brothers-in-law Jerry Cole and Jack Skinner. Pete and Jill also suffered the loss of their son, Alex, age 7 months and their oldest daughter Kelley in 2014.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Sandra Jill- Williamston, MI, three sisters Lynn (Norm) Jones of Indianapolis, IN, Kay Cole of Fairmount, IN and Jayne Skinner of South Carolina. He will be lovingly missed by his daughter, Susan (Phil) Needler of Williamston, MI, Son-in-law Duane Broyles of New Port Richey, FL and his four grandchildren Katie (Jared) Carlson of Odessa, FL; Jay (Katie) Needler of Rockford, MI; Leslie (Josh) Weaver of Haslett, MI and Ross (Tori) Needler of Southfield, MI. Pete, AKA “Gramps” was also a great grandfather of eight wonderful, talented and smart great grandchildren: Ayden, Gavin, Jillian, Quinn, Natalie, Leah, Beckett and Morgan, who will all miss getting a dollar from “Gramps” whenever he saw them.

Funeral arrangements are with Armes-Hunt Funeral Home, 415 S. Main Street, Fairmount, IN. Visitation is August 18, 2024 from 4pm-6pm. Funeral service is August 19, 2024 with visitation from 9am-10am, service at 10am with burial to follow at the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St. Marion, IN at 11am.

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Oak Hill High School Athletics, 7756 W. Delphi Pike, Converse, IN 46919

Contributions will help cover team gear/equipment for athletes needing financial help. Please list “Care of Pete Beck” in the memo space on check.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com