LENZIE BECK

SIKESTON -- Lenzie Beck, 81, of Sikeston, died Monday, Jan. 30, 1995, at Missouri Delta Medical Center, following an extended illness.

He was born Dec. 29, 1913, at Sikeston, son of Spurlin and Birdie Agnes Duke Beck Sr. He and Geneva Calvin were married April 19, 1934, in Sikeston.

Beck was manager of the John Deere Implement Co. here, and a supervisor with Farmers Home Administration in New Madrid. He sold more than a million dollars in war bonds during World War II.

He graduated from the Reppert School of Auctioneering in 1939. In 1946 he and Joe McCord formed Beck and McCord Auction and Real Estate Co., which they operated until retiring in 1991.

Beck was a charter member of the Society of Auctioneers, and member of Missouri Professional Auctioneers Association. He was inducted into the Missouri Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 1981 and National Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 1989.

He was a field representative five years for the U.S. congressman from Missouri's 10th District.

Beck was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church and member of its Agoga Sunday School Class. He was a past president of local and state Baptist Men's Brotherhood Associations, and served 10 years on the board of Missouri Baptist Children's Home in Bridgeton.

He was also a member of Kiwanis Club, was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner, served on the board of Heritage House, was a recipient of Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Award.

Beck conducted charity auctions for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, 4-H clubs, schools and churches throughout the area.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Sondra Long of Springfield; four brothers, Woodrow, Joe and Billy Beck of Sikeston, Spurlin Beck Jr. of Kansas City; five sisters, Lillie Shelby, Thelma McDonald, Motel Smith and Jewell Harber of Sikeston, Charlene Humphreys of Dixon, Tenn., and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by a brother and sister.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Jim Guffie officiating. Burial will be in Sikeston City Cemetery.