William “Earl” Beckman

A Celebration of Life for William Earl Beckman, 91, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 at Community of Christ Church, 1900 University Drive in Lawrence.  Private entombment will be at the Memorial Park Garden Mausoleum in Lawrence.  He passed into the loving arms of His Heavenly Father on Friday, February 24, 2012 at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence.

He was born September 25, 1920 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of Lester R. & Sarah Pettit Beckman.  During the 30’s, his family moved to Paddockwood to farm.  It is here where he met and later married Alietha Aspvik on March 11, 1942. 

A month after his marriage, he was off to serve his country; first on the west coast and then to England. After returning from World War II, he began farming with his brother, Ken.  Besides farming, Earl, Ken and their families ran a saw mill, and built and renovated houses in the area.  In September, 1963, Earl, Alietha and family moved to Lawrence.  He worked for Norris Brothers, American Electric and then Stanion Electric before retiring.

Earl’s belief in Christ and his family have always been the main emphasis for him. He was pastor of the Community of Christ congregations at Paddockwood, Saskatchewan,   and Tonganoxie, Kansas. 

He is survived by his wife Alietha, of the home.  Also, three children; Bill & Sharon (Justice) Beckman of Overland Park, KS, Christine & Leon Winters and Marilyn & Verlon Myers of Lawrence, KS.  He is also survived by a brother, Ken Beckman of Prince Albert Saskatchewan, seven grandchildren, Martin & Ruth (Todd) Beckman of Michigan; Stacy & Eric Ruvalcava of Overland Park, KS, Kelly & Chris Turner of Wichita, KS, Michelle Myers of Lawrence, Lori Howard of Lawrence, James & Jennifer (Adams) Myers of Lawrence, William Lee & Sarah (Smith) Myers of Hutchinson, KS and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his son, Clifford, his parents and his sister, Nina Smith.

The family suggests memorials in his name to the Community of Christ Church, the Pilot Club, and Grace Hospice, which may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.

 

 

11 Condolences

  1. Tammy & Jeff Canterbury on February 25, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    The world was truly blessed by his presence in it and will continue to be enriched by the wonderful memories held by those who knew and loved him. Our love and condolences to you. Your family is in our prayers.



  2. Jevein Scheflo Kellams on February 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    Our prayers & thoughts are
    with the Beckman family at
    this time. We have loving
    memories of this dear cousin.
    I’m sure he was really an inspiration to the family.
    Peace, hope & love to all.
    Your cousin, Jevein



  3. Bart and Brenda Beckman on February 26, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    We will always have fond memories of Uncle Earl. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Alietha and the family.



  4. John and Angella Gregory and family on February 27, 2012 at 8:32 am

    Christine and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We know that you will find solace and comfort in the arms of your family and the knowledge that your Dad is home now, basking in the love of Christ. May God bless and keep you all and ease your sorrows. John and Angella Gregory



  5. Vince And Maggie Avila on February 27, 2012 at 8:44 am

    Christine, I was sorry to hear about the death of your father. Our prayers are with you and your family.
    God Bless
    Vince Avila



  6. Rachel on February 27, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Lori,
    My heart aches for you at this sad time. I know how much you loved your Grandpa. Praying for comfort for you, your Grandma and all of your family.

    With Love,
    Rachel



  7. Johnny & David on February 27, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    God never leaves me. In my ignorance, I have frequently thought I have left God, but that is all together impossible. – Maya Angelou – Never doubt that God is with you and the love goes with you in all circumstances-a protection, a shield, all around you. David and I share in your grief and know that we are here should you need ANYTHING! Love.



  8. Jerry and Gloria on February 27, 2012 at 3:14 pm

    Our caring thoughts are with you Aunt Alietha, Bill and family, Christine and family, Marilyn and family. I have such fond memories of our time together with Uncle Earl and your family. The warmth of a family’s love is precious and lasting. May this love help to comfort you at this sad time. Gloria and Jerry



  9. Barb Kuzyk on February 28, 2012 at 8:36 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Alietha, Bill and Sharon & family, Christine and Leon & family, Marilyn and Verlon & family. Uncle Earl was a gentle soul and we shall all miss him dearly. Sending my love during this difficult time.



  10. Darlene Stein on February 28, 2012 at 6:41 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Alietha. I will always remember the excitement we all felt when your whole family would travel back to the farm. God Bless your family.



  11. Connie & Larry Meyer on March 4, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Our thoughts and prayers to the Beckman Family. May God bless you all.



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