Ralph Beck

Ralph J. Beck, 80, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, April 25, 2003, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born Sept. 27, 1922, in Newberry, S.C., son of John and Mamie Donald Beck. He and Betty Ann Rhea were married Feb. 2, 1952, in Fall City, Neb. She died Dec. 9, 1988.

Mr. Beck was a first sergeant in the U.S. Army, serving in Northern France and Normandy with Patton, and in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, Patriotic Service Award from state of Missouri, and Good Conduct Medal.

He was a member of First Christian Church, VFW Post 3838, and member of Southeast Missouri State University Booster Club since 1981.

Mr. Beck worked at Jaycee Municipal Golf Course 10 years, and worked at Southeast University Food Service from 1964 to 1973 and from 1977 to 1989. He moved to Cape Girardeau in 1963 from Ft. Irwin, Calif., after discharge from the service. He was an avid golfer and supporter of men's and women's basketball at Southeast.

Survivors include two sons, Ralph J. Beck Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Richard Beck of Stark, Fla.; a brother, James Beck of Aiken, S.C.; a sister, Edna Ivey of Bath, S.C.; two grandchildren, Jeff Beck and Laura Beck of Jackson; special friends, Sabrina Tate and Ann Klapperich of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tom Beck; a daughter, Ina Goff; and two brothers, Roland and William Beck.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rice officiating. Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or American Heart Association.