Bill Beck

    A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 21, at Northside Baptist Church. Burial will follow to Dawson County Cemetery. The family will have visitation from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, at Branon Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Branon Funeral Home.
    Bill was born September 17, 1946, in Haskell, Texas, to his father and mother, Ernest Beck Jr. and Wilma Bratcher Beck. 
    Bill grew up in Vera, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University and served leadership roles in the ROTC in preparation for a career in the United States Army. 
    Bill graduated from Texas Tech University in 1970 where he received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.
    Bill married Iva Janell Tanner in Olton, Texas on August 2, 1969. 
    After graduation from Texas Tech, Bill joined the United States Army and served in the 1st Cavalry Division for three years. After finishing officer training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Bill was able to choose next assignment.
     When He and Iva learned they were expecting their first child, he requested Fort Hood, Texas so his first born would be a native Texan and was granted the assignment.
    Bill and Iva moved to Lamesa, Texas in July 1973. In Lamesa he was a member and deacon of Northside Baptist for 50 years.
    Bill had many professions in Lamesa, ranging from hog buyer to Farm Bureau insurance salesman and farmer to building contractor. 
    He found his calling later in life as a building trades teacher at Lamesa High School for 16 years. If a student had an idea of what they wanted to build, together he and the student would figure out how to do it. As Bill would say, “Hmmm. Let’s see what we’ve got here.” Under Bill’s guidance, countless students’ carpentry projects won statewide awards.
    Bill was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His grandchildren affectionately called him “Grump.” He enjoyed teasing them and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. 
    Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Jr. and Wilma Beck, paternal grandparents, Ernest A. Sr. and Zoe Benge Beck, and maternal grandparents, Melvin and Theo Docia Murphree Bratcher. 
    Bill is survived by his wife; children Nancy Beck Patterson and husband Jeffrey of Seminole, Texas; Brian Beck and wife Crystal of Lamesa, Texas; and Kathy Beck Lostroh and husband Rhett of Earth, Texas; brother Danny Beck and wife Teresa of Lamesa, Texas; grandchildren Caitlyn Beck Bland and husband Ryan of Wingate, Texas; Sarah Patterson of Waco, Texas; Laura Patterson and Hannah Patterson, both of Lubbock, Texas; Brianna Beck Scitern and husband Garrett of Anson, Texas; Briley Beck of Tarzan, Texas; Tanner Lostroh and Claire Lostroh, both of Earth, Texas; and four great-grandchildren, Brody, Saizelynn, Brixxlynn, and Charlotte.
    The family suggests memorials to Northside Baptist Church or SUMMIT, Inc., 1000 N.E. First, Earth, Texas 79031, or another charity of your choice. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.
     – Press-Reporter obituary services