BECKLEY, John William

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Sunday, June 29, 2014 John William Beckley, 88, passed away with his family by his side, on Sunday, June 22, 2014, in Prescott, Ariz. He was born in Spring Valley, Ill., in 1925. John joined the U.S. Army during WWII at the age of 18. He landed in Naples, Italy, as part of the 3rd Division and participated in the liberation of Rome, Southern France, Austria, Germany and Lichtenstein. After the war ended, he attended Colorado A & M. Eventually, he settled in Hemet, Calif., and married the love of his life, Bea Reed, in 1950. He had three daughters whom he cherished throughout his life. The related John Beckley and Charles Reed families, known as the Ramona Archaeological Team, were official field collectors for the Ramona Bowl Museum over many years. John had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke and tease. He enjoyed hiking, riding motorcycles, landscape gardening and inventing gadgets to make everyday life easier. Family vacations were special with much time spent exploring the Southwest, visiting 40 of the 50 states, Canada and Mexico. He and Bea enjoyed several trips to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Hemet, California after 33 years. After retiring, John and Bea moved to Prescott Valley, Ariz. in 1988, and resided there for 26 years. They enjoyed working with Stepping Stones, a local charity for abused women and children, Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, and C.A.S.A. (Central Arizona Seniors Association). John is survived by his wife, Bea; three daughters, Karol (David) Richardson, Lori (Brent) Ybarrondo and Donna (Jerry) Udany; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nine nephews and nieces. John Beckley was kind and generous, brave and courageous, loyal and honest. He will be missed. Information provided by survivors.