Donald Lavier Beck, age 92, gracefully passed away at his residence, Thursday, November 30. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 23, 1931, to Jenny Elva and Luther Lavier Beck
He married Marita Rae Barringer on June 16, 1955. They were married for 66 years until Marita’s passing in 2021. Together they made homes in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, California, Washington, and Tennessee. They acclimated in all their locations, but their heart remained in Michigan where they enjoyed many weeks in the summer at their cottage in Newago.
Donald served in the Navy during the Korean war. After his discharge, he used the GI Bill to obtain his civil engineering degree from Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula. Most of Donald’s career he worked for Standard Oil of California (Chevron). Wherever he lived, Donald enjoyed service for his community beginning with Boy Scouts, Jaycees, his church, and prison ministry. After retiring in Clarksville, Donald served in Rotary, Crisis Call Line, Loaves, and Fishes, election board, and on various committees at First Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marita, and daughter-in-law, Sherry Beck. Donald is survived by his sister, Bonnie (Gordon) Rollenhagen of Traverse City, Michigan; daughters, Lori (Timothy) Cribbs of Clarksville, TN, Marianne Beck of Indianapolis, Indiana, Anita (James) Tilley of Brentwood, TN, and son Scott Beck of Hopkinsville, KY; 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Greg Glover officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 3241, Clarksville, TN 37043, or to First Presbyterian Church, 213 Main Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.
A special thanks to Tennova Hospice for wonderful support and care and to the caregivers of Jubilee.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931)645-6488.