Gary Joseph Beck

Gary Joseph Beck, age 66, of Effingham, Illinois passed away at 1: 40 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Watson Baptist Church with a 3 hour visitation prior to service.  Kent Robinson will be officiating.  Burial will be in Watson Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society, Watson Baptist Church, or the donor’s choice. 

Gary was born March 19, 1956, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Bernerd and Reba (Mast) Beck. He married Mary Jane Heth, who was the love of his life for 41 years. Gary joined the United States Navy for 4 years as a Culinary Specialist. He was on multiple destroyers, but the USS DuPont (DD-941) was his most memorable experience. He worked for the village of Watson for many years. He worked at Kohls alongside with his wife Mary Jane. He also was a pastor of the Watson Baptist Church and a church deacon for over 30 years. He was an avid member of the Watson area community organization (Lion’s Club) for many years, worked at the annual Watson Homecoming Lion’s Club stand for over 20 years, and was a member of the Homecoming Committee. He loved building things in his shed, bowling, and playing music. He loved his church and serving the Lord

Gary is survived by his two sons, Matt Beck (wife Lisa) of Teutopolis, Illinois, and Chris Beck (companion, Crystal) of Watson, Illinois; one daughter, Marie Beck (fiancé, Chelsea) of Effingham, Illinois; brothers, Jon Beck (wife Lisa) of Tuscola, Illinois and Bruce Beck of Effingham, Illinois; sister, Betty Beck (companion, Jerry) of Vandalia, Illinois; 10 grandchildren, Jaden, Dayton, Caylynn, Ella, Olivia, Auslyn, Axle, Weston, Brooklyn and Camden and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Beck; parents, Bernerd and Reba Beck; and one sister, Gail Grant.

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