Steve Beckman's Obituary
Steve Beckman, 67, of Hallettsville, TX, passed over March 29,
2016. He was born on July 5, 1948 in Vandalia, the son of
Elmer and Maribelle (Leidner) Beckman.
Steve graduated from Vandalia High School, received a diploma
and license in cosmetology, and also received a degree in art from
Illinois State University. He taught cosmetology in
Charleston, SC before returning to Vandalia to open his own
salon. He was a watercolor painter who took numerous classes
to learn more about his craft. He moved to Anchorage, AK in
May 2006. He has been a resident of Hallettsville, TX since January
1, 2015.
He loved living in the country near Hallettsville where he
planted a big vegetable garden and shared his bounty with family
and friends. His flower gardens were filled with salvia,
petunias, iris, and lilies. Steve's wit and sense of fun were
evident in whatever he did or wherever he went.
Steve was an active member of the South Central Texas Art League
and was the January 2016 Spotlighted Artist at Hallet Oak
Gallery. His watercolor paintings expressed his love of farm
life, boats and birds, people, and porch and street scenes.
Steve was a member of Mossy Grove Methodist Church. He
made homemade bread for the communion services. His cinnamon
rolls and meatloaf always disappeared quickly at the potluck
suppers.
Steve is survived by his mom Maribelle Beckman Alender and step
father Raymond Alender, two brothers Charles (Nona) Beckman and
Jeff (Mona) Beckman all of Vandalia, IL, step brothers Mike (Tina)
Alender of Lovington, IL and Jeff Alender (Vicky) of Atlanta, GA, a
daughter Stephanie (Jim) Gurr of Palm Harbor, FL, life partner
Charles Strode of Hallettsville, TX, grandchildren Jillian Gurr,
Haden Gurr, Addie Miller, and Chase Miller, great-grandchildren
Averie Miller and Easton Wright, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dad Elmer Beckman and daughter
Stacie Miller.
Services are set for April 12, 2016 with visitation from
9:00-11:00am at Northside Christian Church in Vandalia, IL followed
by a Graveside Service and Burial at 11:30am at Holy Cross
Cemetery, rural Vandalia, IL.
Memorials may be made to Mossy Grove Methodist Church,
Hallettsville, TX, Northside Christian Church, Vandalia, or Holy
Cross Lutheran Church Cemetery, Vandalia.
"To live in hearts we leave behind / is not to die."
Thomas Campbell,Hallowed Ground, 1825.
"To the poet, to the philosopher, to the saint, all things are
friendly and sacred, all events profitable, all days holy, all men
divine." Ralph Waldo Emerson,Essays: First Series, 1841.
What’s your fondest memory of Steve Beckman?
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Share a story where Steve Beckman's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Steve Beckman you’ll never forget.
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