William Walter Beckum (known to everyone as Bill) was born April 6, 1927 in Littlefield, TX, to James and Blanche Beckum. The couple had 3 sons: James, Bill and Carlton. Father James died at an early age and Mom Blanche was forced to move to Midlothian to care for and support her sons. She worked as a librarian at Midlothian High School. Her sons worked various odd jobs to help subsidize the family.
After graduating Midlothian high school in 1944, Bill worked for the U.S. Postal Service. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and saw combat in Korea, receiving an honorable discharge in 1951.
In 1955, Bill joined the U.S. Custom’s Treasury Department as an Inspector in the Dallas office. It was here that he met the love of his life, Betty Bryson; they were married in 1956. He proudly wore Badge No. 6138 until his retirement in 1985.
In the early 70’s, Betty was employed by Texas International Airlines to manage its credit department at DFW Airport. Bill and Betty took advantage of her traveling privileges and toured all over the world, including Ireland, England, Germany, Austria, Jerusalem, Japan, China, Vietnam, Mexico, France and Denmark. They took a cruise to Alaska to see the glaciers and do a little whale watching.
After retirement, Bill and Betty bought an Airstream trailer, joined the North Texas Airstream Club and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. Bill loved to go deer, turkey and javelina hunting with his brother, Carlton, in West Texas.
During their spare time, the Beckums started B & B Ceramics. This kept Bill busy in the metal building pouring slip and cleaning the raw product after it dried in the mold. Betty used her creativity and painted beautiful designs on the green ceramic; afterward each fragile piece was placed in a kiln and fired at 1,000+ degrees to a beautiful finish. Many of Bill and Betty’s friends, family and local merchants enjoy these beautiful collectibles to this day.
He enjoyed gardening; he and Betty kept their home and property maintained to perfection. The Beckums were long-time members of First United Methodist Church Bedford where Bill volunteered every Tuesday with Project Help.
Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty; stepchildren, Lynda Wolverton and Dennis Haralson; 3 grandchildren, Rick Alexander, Chris Haralson and Stacy Escobedo; and 4 great-grandchildren, Mika Alexander, Grayson Alexander, Logan Escobedo and Luke Escobedo.
Bill Beckum went to be with his Lord May 2, 2018. He will be missed.
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William W. Beckum
Bill, of Colleyville Texas, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 in Colleyville, Texas. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather to all that knew and loved him. He was born on April 6, 1927 in Littlefield, Texas to James Authur Beckum and Blanche Thelma Beckum. Bill worked as a US Customs Inspector for 30+ years and was proudly married to Betty for 61 years. Bill was survived by his wife Betty, children; Lynda and Dennis, grandchildren; Rick, Chris, and Stacy; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 4th.
Chapel Service will be Bluebonnet Hills 10 a.m. Saturday, May 5th.
Burial will be held at Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ovilla, Texas.
If you wish to send floral condolences in honor of William, you may call Dr. Delphinium Designs and Events, 214-525-1284.
