Billy Allen Beck

Billy Allen Beck, 83, Sheldon, Mo., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, at Moore-Few Care Center, in Nevada. Billy was born Sept. 12, 1931, in Kansas City, Mo., to William Floyd and Velma Una (Umphrey) Beck. He was united in marriage to Barbara F. Coleman on Nov. 17, 1951, in Drexel, Mo., and she survives of Nevada.

Billy was raised in the Drexel area and graduated from Drexel High School in 1949. For four years, from 1951-1955, Billy served our country in the United States Air Force. While in the military he received instruction in Hydraulic Aircraft maintenance at Chanute Field attaining his second stripe as Airman Second Class for maintaining the highest grade point average in the class. He then taught aircraft hydraulic systems for the next three years including F-80, T-33, F-97, and F-86 while also teaching basic electricity (AC and DC). He was stationed in Japan for a time during the Korean Conflict. After his military commitment Billy returned home to farm and also began employment with the United States Postal Service in Drexel. He later became the Post Master in Sheldon where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 1990. Billy was a member of the Sheldon Baptist Church and the Sheldon American Legion No. 175. He loved bluegrass music, but his favorite pastime was always long walks with Barbara.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, survivors include his children, Audie Beck and his wife, Judy, Sheldon, Veronica "Kelly" Gerken and her husband, Neil, Nevada, and Chad Beck, Lamar; grandchildren, Casey Frydrychowski, Melissa Reinel, Brittany (Beck) Hardy, Renae Beck, Trisha Taylor, Pammy Weaver, Max Baxter, Justin Baxter, Tasha Baxter, Clint Gerken, Monica Gerken, Savannah Beck, and Caleb Beck; several great-grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Gina Beck, of Anderson; and other family members and many friends. Billy was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Lonnie Allen Beck, who passed away Sept. 13, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 2, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with the Rev. Jerod Lamb officiating. Interment will follow in Sheldon Cemetery, Sheldon, Mo. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., prior to the service also at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association and the Sheldon Baptist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.