Beckett, Donald L. (1922-2010)

BECKETT, MANN

Posted By: Janelle Martin (email)
Date: 9/12/2010 at 17:58:12

Columbia Daily Tribune, Aug. 15, 2010

Donald L. Beckett, 88, of Mexico died Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at Boone Hospital Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, with the Rev. Richard Plachte officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the East Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

He was born in Shelby County on May 17, 1922, to Carl M. and Ida Mae (Mann) Beckett. His family moved to Blairsburg, Iowa, when he was a young boy, and he graduated from Blairsburg High School in 1940.

He married Mary Gough on June 22, 1942, in Shelbina. They moved to Mexico and he worked for National Refractories until he was drafted into the Army Air Forces. He was issued a medical discharge in September 1943, and they returned to Mexico. He was employed as a route salesman for Grand Union and Jewel Tea, and he retired from Keebler Cookie Co.

An avid bowler, he was a member of the Mexico Bowling League Hall of Fame and bowled in two National Senior Olympic Games, where he won a silver medal in Virginia Beach, Va., and placed fourth in Louisville, Ky.

He was also a former member of the Audrain Auto Association and owner of an antique car. After his retirement, he obtained a motorcycle license and enjoyed many motorcycle vacations with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Donna (Bob) Barnes of Mexico and Linda (Mike) Keeling of Stafford, Va.; one daughter-in-law, Mary Beckett of Hixson, Tenn.; one brother, Jim (Shirley) Beckett of Columbia; grandchildren, Brad (Mary) Barnes of Mexico, Denise Barnes of Osage Beach and Michele (Gerald) Egan of Stafford, Va.; great-grandchildren, Sara, Leeann and Brian Barnes of Mexico, and Kellen, Holt, Grant, Lincoln and Mayes Egan of Stafford, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Doris Oard; and his son, Ted D. Beckett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, Mo., 65265

Condolences can be left online at www.arnoldfh.com.