1922-2007
Fred Beckmann was a member of the Union R-XI Foundation board of directors from 1991 until his passing in 2007. During his long tenure as a Foundation board member, Mr. Beckmann was particularly interested in the annual scholarship program in which graduates of Union High School are awarded money each spring to help defray the costs of their post-secondary educations.
Although Mr. Beckmann began his work with the Foundation at nearly the age of 70, he was remembered by fellow Foundation director and friend, John L. Devos, as, “tireless. He never misses a chance to find more money for another kid to go to college…”
Following is Fred Beckmann’s obituary from the Oltmann Funeral Home website. We reprint it here in honor of his selfless service to our country, the community of Union, and the schoolchildren of the schools here. Every graduate of Union High School who has received a Foundation scholarship in the past nearly three decades owes him a debt of gratitude.
“Fred August Beckmann of Union, Missouri was born January 12, 1922 in Union the son of the late David Beckmann and his wife, Kathryn, nee Holdmeier.
He received his schooling at Immaculate Conception School in Union and graduated from Union High School in 1940. He served his country in the United State Navy as a Naval Aviator. He served from September 30, 1942 to December 8, 1945. He received three air medals, three stars in the Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation medal, American Theatre medal, and the Victory medal. He was united in marriage April 19, 1944, to Miss Ruth Altholz in Corpus Christi, Texas, the same day he received his flying wings and became a Naval Aviator.
He worked as a pipefitter for many years, retiring in 1984, and was a member of Pipefitter’s Local 562 for 55 years. Fred was a member of Zion United Church of Christ in Union, the Union American Legion, and the Union R-XI Foundation, where he has served as a member of the scholarship committee.
Fred is survived by his wife, Ruth Beckmann, of Union; two sons, Jim Beckmann and wife, Linda, of Beaufort and Tom Beckmann of Beaufort; one daughter, Jane Pinnell and husband, Jon, of Union; eight grandchildren, Jimmy Beckmann and wife, Alexa, Billy Beckmann, Laura Bailey and husband, Ryan, Sarah Coble and husband, Kyle, Chris Beckmann and wife, Michelle, Rachel Beckmann, Ryan Beckmann, and Matthew Beckmann; five great-grandchildren, Mason, Cooper, Hudson, Ashlyn, and Annabelle; other relatives, and friends.
Funeral Service was held Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at the Oltmann Funeral Home in Union with Rev. Geraldine Proctor officiating. Burial was in the Midlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Union R-XI Foundation Scholarship Fund or the Emmaus Home. The Beckmann Family was served by the Oltmann Funeral Home in Union.”