Maurice Beckham

Maurice Beckham, age 82, Methodist in faith, passed away on June 29, 2015 in Austin Texas. He is survived by Peggy, his devoted wife of 64 years, their two children; Hilton Beckham and wife Maria of Austin Texas, Connie Willis and husband Robert of Batson Texas, eight grandchildren, as well as an older sister, and two older brothers, Helen Uptmor of Waco Texas., J.L. Beckham of Hot Springs South Dakota, Clyde Beckham of Penelope Texas.

Maurice was born in Hallsburg Texas in 1932, youngest of eight children, to Luke and Frankie Lou Beckham. He attended school in Hallsburg, Bruceville-Eddy, and Penelope Texas, where he graduated in 1950. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in education through studies at Baylor University, American Technological, Sam Houston State, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Maurice was a Master Mason, and longtime member of Onion Creek Lodge #220 in Austin. A Korean War veteran he served with both the U.S. Army 24th Infantry division, and the First Marine division.

Maurice was a 38 year veteran of the Texas Department of Public Safety, a Special Texas Ranger, he retired at the rank of Major as the Chief of Administration in 1993. During his DPS career he served as a Highway Patrolman, Criminal Intelligence Agent, Asst. Commander of Intelligence Division, Criminal Law Enforcement Inspector, and as Chief of Inspection and Planning Division, and finally Chief of Administration.

Maurice served as a member and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DPS Credit Union, President of the Texas Public Employee Association retirees group, President of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in Region II, as a member of AAMVA’s International Board of Directors, The Governor’s Task Force on Governmental Management, the Governor’s Committee on Relocation of Indo-Chinese Refugees during the Vietnam War period, and as member to the Board of Directors of the Texas DPS Historical Museum and Research Center.

Maurice served as a member of the Waco Jaycees, and a member of the Directors of the National Exchange Club. He was a member of a number of professional organizations including IACP, Texas Sheriffs Association, Texas Police Association, and the Southern Association of Investigators.

In earlier years, Maurice was a softball pitcher of note, played semi-pro baseball in the old Central Texas League, and coached little league baseball. He was a member of the DPS Softball, Football, and Judo teams – an Explorer Scout Leader, Salvation Army volunteer, and practiced Wood burning” art professionally. He Taught management and Social Psychology courses at the University level.

For over twenty years Maurice was listed in the “Who’s Who in Professional Speaking” of the National Speakers Association. He performed nationally as a professional humorist, educator, trainer, and was a prominent “After Dinner”, Key Note Inspirational speaker, and Entertainer. For the past 20 years Maurice has performed as the Resident Virtuoso on the all-volunteer Austin Steam Train Association Hill Country Flyer, and other ASTA special excursion trains.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Memorial Chapel with a Reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Maurice’s memory to any of the following: (1) The American Cancer Society, (2) The Texas DPS Historical Museum & Research Center at P.O. Box 141603, Austin, Texas 78714-1603 or to, (3) The Austin Steam’ Train Association, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste C-100, Cedar Park TX 78613.

THE BURNING FARMHOUSE

Many years ago a two story farmhouse caught fire from unknown causes in rural McLennan County, Texas and burned to the ground.

THERE WAS NO FIRE DEPARTMENT THERE. There was NO 911. There were NO TELEPHONES. NO EMS.

As members of that family and a couple of neighbors fanatically sought to salvage what few precious items they could from the home, … two young girls, sisters, stood beneath a large chinaberry tree in the corner of the yard; Both were watching, in horror, as their precious belongings as well as those of the family were being consumed by the raging fire.

The younger sister tugged at the dress tail of the older sister, trying to get her attention … the older sister said “What do you want?” The younger sister looked up at her and said … “somebody better get the baby” …

The older sister broke and ran back into the burning house, went up the stairs, then scooped up the tiny infant from a pallet where it lay on the floor, returning back down the stairs through the fire, and out into the yard to a place of safety.

I mention this incident of LONG AGO for a trio of reasons. ONE; I think it is an outstanding example of great things that can be accomplished when the bright mind of the young are able to cause an alert. TWO, The willingness of the older person to take action in this dangerous situation. (An action for which she would never have been criticized for not taking under the extraordinary circumstances existing at the time). THREE: The Baby was me (Maurice).

Had it not been for the alertness of the two beautiful and heroic sisters, working together, using the best of what each had to offer, that little baby would never have lived long enough to know his name, two wonderful parents and seven other siblings. He would never have learned to tie a shoe, spin a top, catch a fish, ride a bike, jump a rope, go to school, or to meet and marry a wonderful lady, assist in parenting two children and to experience eight grandchildren, and see great grandchildren be born, grow, and flourish. He would never have had the opportunity to serve his country in the military, have a 38 year career with the DPS, or a long list of other professional personal, community, and special activities that contributed to the lives of others in so many positive ways.

When one looks back to this Burning Farmhouse a long time ago, you come to believe (as Maurice believed) that God had some special roles for him to perform, and he always sought to fulfill these expectations in the best ways he knew how. Thanks to his Sisters, and his God.