Donald A. Beck

Donald Almon Beck Born March 2, 1930 in Dodge City, Kansas. Don spent his high school years in LaJunta Colorado, distinguishing himself in academics and athletics and earning an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy, where he played defensive back for the national champion Army football team and also ran track. His talent for intercepting the football earned him the nickname "Boom-boom". He went on to graduate cum laude with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre Dame, and after serving as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Korean war, made his career in the aerospace industry, retiring from McDonnell Douglas. Don was an avid golfer and enjoyed travel, bridge and watching sports, especially Notre Dame Football and any event in which his grandchildren competed. In recent years he volunteered for Wings of Hope and Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. Above all, he was dedicated to his family and lived as an example of integrity and humility. Don's kindness and sense of humor endeared him to everyone he knew. Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Puskas of South Bend, Indiana, and survived by their four daughters, Kathy Witt (David); Jan PeConga (Geoff); Laurie Slattery (Jim); and Jennifer Longo (Michael); nine adoring grandchildren, and his sister Becky Hamilton, of Canon City CO. Services: The family is being served by The Baue Funeral and Memorial Center, 3950 West Clay Street, St. Charles, MO where a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM with a gathering immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wings of Hope or St. Robert Bellarmine Church.