Robert C. “Bob” Beckman, 86, of Carmi, Illinois, formerly of Salem passed away December 25, 2020, at Wabash Christian Village, Carmi, Illinois.
Robert C. Beckman was born November 24, 1934, to C. Carson and Marie Beckman of Philadelphia, PA.
Bob, (Bobby to his mom) attended Catholic Schools in Philadelphia first matriculating at St. Joseph’s Preparatory Academy (The Prep) then graduating from St. Joseph’s College (now University) in 1956. Upon graduation, he joined the US. Air Force and flew. He Flew first and second-generation jet fighters and, to hear him tell it, he loved every minute of it. Throughout his long, productive life he loved to tell stories of Air Force days to any who would listen and kept the memory of those days tangibly alive by constructing and displaying models of his favorite aircraft. Because of his Air Force days, Bob watched the weather, followed the weather, and could always tell you what the weather would bring.
More importantly the Air Force introduced him to the love of his life, Darlene Clevenger whom he wed on December 25, 1960. Their love story was interrupted in 2010 when she predeceased him but resumed on 25 December 2020 when, upon his passing, they were reunited in the presence of the risen Son. In addition to Darlene, he was preceded in death by his parents and hers, by her brother, son-in-law Jim Evans, one grandson Matthew Evans and one great-granddaughter Kacey Moreland. Also, surviving are his children Shirley Evans of Carmi, Bob (Georgia) Beckman of Grayville, Debbie (Scott) BonDurant of Terre Haute, IN, Sally (Sam) Lay of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Ernie (Rosa) Beckman of Normal. He is also survived by 14 Grandchildren and 32 Great Grandchildren.
For many years, Bob umpired youth baseball in Salem. Generations of young people heard the regular refrain “Lights! Lights Please! Thank you!” He also leaves behind a legacy of service to Evergreen Christian Church where he was a founding Elder and a constant presence of service and devotion. Bob Beckman was a passionate Christian, an eager student of God’s Word, a supporter of and advocate for preachers, and served the Lord as long as he could with all of his strength. Even at Wabash Christian Village he worshipped regularly, taught when able, and led in prayers until his strength waned and the chief Shepherd called him home.
A drive-by visitation will take place from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Tuesday at the Evergreen Christian Church, 1875 N. Broadway, Salem, IL. Those attending will need to follow the direction of church members who will be controlling traffic. The family invites you to gather with them at 1:30 pm at East Lawn Cemetery for graveside services, followed by military honors provided by the Salem American Legion Post #128. It is imperative those attending the drive-by visitation, or the graveside service wear a mask and respect social distancing according to the CDC suggested regulations. The family suggests those wishing to honor their dad with a monetary memorial consider the Evergreen Christian Church in Salem, accepted by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, Salem, IL 62881 (618) 548-1234 entrusted with the family’s care. Online condolences may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
