- Date Of Birth: April 20, 1929
- Date Of Death: February 27, 2009
- State: Illinois
Thomas W. Beckett, 79, of Ashland, IL and formerly of Champaign, IL went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday morning, February 27, 2009 at his residence surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born April 20, 1929 in Champaign, IL; the son of Robert and Myrtle Wardlow Beckett. Tom met the love of his life, Kim Armstrong, in Bloomington, IL where they worked together at Bacon and Van Buskirk for three years. They married June 12, 1992.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Kim; five children, Tamara Hines (husband, Butch) of Justin, TX, Gregory Beckett (wife, Deborah) of Phoenix, AZ, Timothy Beckett (wife, Maureen) of Arlington, TX, Lyndia Beckett (fianc©, Joseph Vosburgh) of Tully, NY, and William Beckett of Seatlle, WA; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; five siblings, Robert Beckett of Stuart, VA, Larry Beckett (wife, Inez) of Mansfield, Fred Beckett of Las Vegas, NV, Molly Evans of Mansfield, and Mary Ellen Rexroad (Harrison) of Mahomet; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Thomas Beckett; and four brothers, George, Forest Eugene, James, and John Beckett.
Tom served with the US Army during the Korean War stationed in Boston, MA assigned as a chauffeur for the Commanding General. He worked for Center Glass in CA for 15 years and later for Bacon and Van Buskirk Glass Company in IL for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1993. After retiring, Tom enjoyed woodworking and helping others remodel their homes. In 1998, Tom and Kim joined the Ashland United Methodist Church where Tom served as an usher and played his guitar with the choir for church services and sing-a-longs. He had a great love of reading the Bible and was in God’s word daily. He had a profound love of music, his children and grandchildren, family, friends and extended church family.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the many friends and family who shared their support and strength with Tom and Kim, especially Pastor Roosevelt Smith II and their church family at Ashland United Methodist Church.
