Alton A. Beck

Alton A. Beck of Sherwood died Oct. 27, 2017. He was 98. Hazel Rogers Beck, his wife of 53 years, went before him in 2004. He is survived by his children: Ken (Wendy) of Lebanon, Tenn., Don (Cindy) of Russellville, Ark., Sherry Walls (Mike) of Collierville, Tenn., Terry (Cindy) of Sherwood, Ark., and Roger (Dawn) of Harvest, Ala.; and grandchildren: Kylie, Cole, Lorianne, Janie, Erin, Kevin, Kelly, Noah, Adam, Wendy, Hunter, Kinsey, Delaney, Jesse and Hallie Beth; and great-grandchildren: Nate, Easton, Emmy, Addie, Paige, Tenley, Connor, Hudson, Luke, Brady, Caroline, Ryker, Eliza, Dasher and Teddy. Al was born April 22, 1919, in Ben Lomond, Ark., the son of Ruben Lowrey Beck and Alta Mize Beck. Surviving siblings are Jason Beck of Panora, Iowa, Jo Ann Barnum of Ozark, Ark., and Evelyn Welch and R.L. Beck, both of Sheridan, Ark. Siblings William, Blanche, Raymond, Bobby, Lila, Marvin and Marie preceded him in death as did his parents and three siblings who died during or a short time after birth. Most of Al's childhood was spent in Alleene, Ark., in Little River County. He graduated from Ashdown High School in 1937 before beginning a 25-year career as an Air Force meteorologist, followed by 11 years with the Arkansas Highway Department. Alton Allen Beck was a man who loved God, family, friends and country. He served as a deacon with the Sylvan Hills Church of Christ's benevolence ministry and was involved with the World Bible School program. With a servant's heart he carried groceries and appliances to many in need in the North Little Rock area as well as studied the Bible with hundreds of souls, mostly Africans, who yearned for the gospel truth. During his last decade, he furnished the salaries and motorbikes for a dozen Nigerian preachers. Dad's life reflected the words of the prophet Micah: And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Hazel, the only woman he ever loved, in the Curlee Church of Christ Cemetery in Readyville, Tenn. The funeral service will be held at the church at 3 p.m. Sunday with visitation from 2-3 p.m. Woodbury Funeral Home 615-563-2311 or www.woodburyfuneralhome.com.