Bob Beckham

Surrounded by his family, Guy Robert Beckham passed away March 23, 2019, at age 85 in Abilene, Texas. Bob was born March 10, 1934, in Abilene to Agnes Caldwell Beckham and Lacy Hiram Beckham. He graduated from Abilene High School in 1952 and received a BS degree in 1956 from Texas Tech University majoring in Agricultural Science. Bob married his high school sweetheart Peggy Hardaway Pattillo November 10, 1956, and they enjoyed more than 62 years of marriage. Their wedding was the first held in the newly built sanctuary of The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, where they have been life-long members. During Bob’s military service, they were stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey, returning to Abilene in 1959 to make their home.

Bob owned Beckham & Son Insurance in Abilene with his father until Beck’s death in 1962 and continued in the insurance business until 1980 when he sold the agency. Bob’s real passion was his life as a rancher, working the land, learning the cattle business from his Uncle Guy Caldwell and sharing time with so many of his good friends, the cowboys of Spring Gap Ranch. In expressing deep affection for those whom he admired most, Bob would often give the highest of compliments, echoing the words of his beloved Grandfather Clifton Mott Caldwell saying, “He was a gentleman and a scholar, and a pretty good windmill man.”

Bob taught his children and grandchildren to love the outdoors, care for the environment and see God’s masterpiece in each sunset, not to mention, really critical life skills such as how to train up a good bird dog, deal with a rattlesnake and show kindness to others. Bob believed that along with his love and concern for his family, he also had a responsibility to make his community a better place for all. He did this by participating in many volunteer activities including serving on the boards of the Salvation Army,  United Way of Abilene, Abilene Philharmonic Association, Hardin-Simmons University Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, Hendrick Medical Center Foundation and as head of the Taylor County Livestock Show, which covered sixteen counties at that time. For many years the boys of Ben Richey Ranch would deer hunt at the Spring Gap Ranch. Bob also served as trustee for the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and as director of Citizens National Bank, and later InterFirst Bank.  

Bob believed that one of the best ways to encourage others to share was to be generous himself. He was a talented fundraiser for many important community causes, raising support for the founding of the first hospice in Abilene, now Hendrick Hospice Care, The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, Boy Scouts of America and United Way of Abilene --  many times with his dear friend Harwell Barber by his side. In 1997, Bob was awarded the Golden Deeds Award by the Abilene Exchange Club, which is given to those who have shown outstanding concern for their fellow man.

For all of his volunteerism, Bob will probably be remembered most by his children and loved ones for the countless visits he made to those in the hospital or nursing homes. He kept a list updated weekly of names of friends and acquaintances who just needed to see the friendly face of someone who cared. His compassion for the lonely and his kindness to those in need were a living testament to his faith in action.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Caldwell Beckham, and grandson Jeffrey Dane Davis. He is survived by his wife Peggy, son John Beckham (wife, Carolyn) and their children Michael (wife, Sarah), Rob (wife, Chelsea), and Emily Beckham; daughter Nancy (husband, Jay Capra), their children Donald (wife, Sally), Sarah Seltzer (husband, Will), and Twig Hannah Capra; daughter Lynn Beckham and her children Robert Davis, and Justin Marderosian, and daughter-in-law Jennifer Davis; son Rob Beckham (wife, Julie) and their children Bryson, Alex, and Austin, fifteen great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

A memorial and inurnment service celebrating Bob’s life will be held on March 30, 2019, at The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service at the church. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Alexander, Lee Caldwell, Frank Calhoun, B.J. Estes, Ross Jones, Tommy Morris, Tommy Rogers, and H.C. Zachry.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the many loving doctors and caregivers who supported Bob and his loved ones. Memorial gifts may be made to Hendrick Hospice of Abilene, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, or to a favorite charity.