BECK, Billy Joe

Published by Yuma Sun on May 24, 2026- Yuma, Arizona - With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we announce the passing of our father, Billy Joe Beck, on May 11. Bill was born in Yuma on March 4, 1929, to Hugh and Flora Beck. Bill was one of six children. He is survived by his sister, Margaret; his three children, Stephen, Catherine, and Michael; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Bills life was deeply rooted in Yuma. He was born in the old Yuma Hospital (Cochan Sanitarium, located in the old Southern Pacific Hotel building). He spent his early years near Gadsden, attending elementary school in the original Gadsden Schoolhouse. Bill later attended Yuma High School, where he was active in the Future Farmers of America (FFA). While attending high school, he met the love of his life, Joan Francis Averitt. After graduating from high school, Bill moved to Texas, where he helped his father farm the family ranch. Joan also moved to Texas to live with family. Soon thereafter, Bill and Joan were married and started their family in Brownwood. During the 1950s, Bill moved his family back to Arizona and began farming near Gadsden. The family lived on the farm until moving to their longtime home in Yuma on 7th Avenue, across from St. Francis School and Church. Bill and Joan were involved in the early development of St. Francis of Assisi Church. Later, Bill helped level the land for the St. Francis School site. Bill lived a full and accomplished life, marked by a remarkably diverse career. He spent much of his life farming in the Yuma Valley near Gadsden. In addition to managing his farm, Bill served as the Yuma/Imperial Valley regional manager for PCA, a cooperative farm credit system. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of farming and agricultural lending, he played an instrumental role in the founding of Yuco Gin and served as its first president. Later in life, Bill earned his real estate license and established his own business, specializing exclusively in farm and ranch brokerage. Bill's favorite pastime was riding and showing horses. One of his significant accomplishments was qualifying for the Nationals in trail riding. However, one of his favorite places was always the golf course. Shortly after the passing of his wife, Bill moved to Phoenix, where he spent his final years surrounded by family and many cherished moments. Bill was a man of strong faith and truly the family's hero. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Joan Francis Beck. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1815 S. 8th Ave., Yuma, AZ, with interment to follow at Desert Lawn Memorial Park, 1415 S. 1st Ave., Yuma, AZ. In lieu of flowers please donate to: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Phone Number: (928)271-5546 or via the internet at https://sjnyuma.com/st-vincent-de-pa Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun