Frederick W. Beckham, 76, of Marion, passed away at 7:38 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial in Muncie. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois, on Friday, November 26, 1948. He was married to Retha (Ward) Beckham, who survives.
Frederick was a graduate of Marion High School. He was a Navy veteran, who served aboard the USS Canopus. Following his military service, he was a draftsman for 33 years at Foster-Forbes in Marion and later worked at the Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo until his retirement. He was a Past Master of Swayzee Masonic Lodge and the former treasurer and head of the local Amvets Post.
Frederick was an avid pool player and had also received numerous bowling trophies over the years. He was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his wife, Retha Beckham of Marion; daughters, Vanessa Beckham of Marion, Candice Birr of Marion, Shelly York, and Nikki Hogan of Marion; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Sam Lloyd; his former wife, Annie Cullane; and siblings, Doryse Martin, Rev. Paul Beckham, John Beckham, and Barbara Baker.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the visitation, a service to celebrate Frederick’s life will begin at 3:00 pm with Chaplain Darrell Smith officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
