BECKES, Edward Francis

Edward Francis Beckes died peacefully at his home December 3, 2002 in Chandler, Arizona. Ed was born October 7, 1918 in Pittsburgh, PA, the fifth child of Katherine Vogel and Albert Michael Beckes. He graduated from Niagara University and in 1942, married the former Martha May Knorr of Pittsburgh. A veteran of WWII, he served in Italy with the US Army Air Corps. His career in traffic and transportation management began with Oliver Iron and Steel Corp and concluded in 1982, when he retired from the A&P Tea Company. A devoted husband, he was predeceased in 1997 by his wife of 56 years. They lovingly parented four children: Edward Knorr & Mimi Beckes of Birmingham, AL Martha Jean & Robert Trueax of Chandler, AZ David William & Kathy Beckes of Elyria, Ohio and Faye Ellen & Harold (Kwigs) Bowen of Chandler. In addition to their four children, Ed and Martha enjoyed 10 grandchildren. An elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, Ed practiced patience, lived peace and loved people. He frequently shared two favorite sayings, "The price of peace is eternal submission" & "Every day is Christmas." In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ed's honor to the Shades Valley Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Ala. or First Presbyterian Church, Oxford, MS 38655. A Memorial Service will be held in June 2003 at Nakomis Beach, Florida. The Arizona Republic December 8, 2002