John Patrick “Pat” Beck, 64, passed peacefully on November 6, 2011 at his home in Buda following a three-year battle with cancer. Pat was born January 10, 1947 in Bastrop County, Texas and lived his childhood on the family farm in Rockne. He completed high school at St. John’s Seminary in San Antonio, attended St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Parks Management. He met Rebecca Thames while in San Marcos where they married on November 23, 1973 and have spent the last 37 years living in the Buda community.
Pat was a “hands on” man who found contentment planning and working on projects around the house and community. He was an avid gardener who shared his love of the earth with his family, many neighbors and friends. He often helped others plan and maintain their own gardens and shared the fruits of his labors every season. His commitment to organic gardening meant there was always enough for all God’s creatures. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and birding. Pat worked for Centex Materials in Buda for 37 years and was involved with the Buda Lions Club since the mid-80s.
Pat is survived by his wife Becky, son Brian Beck and wife Crystal, of Pflugerville; daughters Amy and husband Ross Madden, of Kyle; Sara and husband Dallas Stock of Kyle, and Jill and husband Brian Adams of Cedar Creek. Surviving grandchildren include Aeryn Rose Beck (age 7), Maggie Jean Madden (age 6), Fox Michael Madden (age 5), Derek Lee Beck (age 5), Mason Lane Stock (age 4), Callie Mae Adams (age 11 months), and Madison Paige Stock (7 months). Surviving siblings are Elaine Chambliss of Longview, Jim Beck of Rosenberg, Mike Beck of Houston, Mary Beck of New Braunfels, Tommy Beck of Rockne, Lori Heisler of Marble Falls, Rita Canalas of Cotulla, Rosie Karr of Austin, and Steve Beck of Cedar Creek.
He is preceded in death by his parents John and Regina Beck, his brother Robert (1950), and grandson Andrew (2004).
On Friday, November 11, a Rosary service will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Rockne, TX following the 7 p.m. mass. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 12 at 10 a.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Texas Lions Camp, P.O. Box 290247 Kerrville, TX 78029 or the Gunner Thames Memorial Fund, 251 N FM 1626 Bldg 2C Buda, TX 78610.
