Mildred J. Beck

Mildred was born on December 30, 1943, in Evansville to the late John Wesley and Elizabeth Iglehart Morehead. She enjoyed growing up with her three brothers and two sisters as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She graduated from Central High School in 1962. She went on to attend Tri-State Beauty School and spent time working as a beautician, before working at Snap Photo and Kent Plastics.

Mildred met Pete, her lifelong partner of 58 years at church. After having their daughter Stephanie, Mildred would continue her career alongside Pete as secretary of Clyde’s Plumbing for 40 years. She also assisted Pete with numerous other joint endeavors including Clyde’s Bath Boutique, Industrial Pipe Threaders, and Beckmeyer Apartments. They could be found dining at Merry Go Round Restaurant no less than six nights a week. The two enjoyed traveling together as well as boating and skiing, spending many weekends at Kentucky Lake with their extended family. Mildred taught two-year-olds in Sunday School and her and Pete spent many weekends with young couples from church, roller skating and participating in other activities.

Her true passion was bowling, and she spent many years in the Arc Lanes women’s league with the “Lucky Ladies.” She would continue to bowl in various other leagues up until the onset of Covid. Mildred loved the beach and enjoyed many girls trips with Stephanie, Tawne, her sisters. and nieces. She converted from an avid University of Evansville basketball fan to a University of Southern Indiana fan when Tawne began cheerleading there in 2010 and remained a Screaming Eagles fan while attending Jonathon’s baseball games.

Mildred’s greatest accomplishment was the energy she put into raising Tawne as a daughter. In all of these activities listed above, Tawne was never far toddling behind whether at the office, church, or the bowling alley. The two spent Tawne’s high school weekends traveling all over the country to cheerleading competitions. They were truly best friends, and that love would pour over to Jonathon and their children. Mildred loved her great-grandchildren fiercely and they adored her.

Known for her contagious laugh, one-of-a-kind personality, and her bright yellow firebird, Mildred was someone everyone enjoyed themselves around. She never lost her love for beauty and fashion, and was never caught without a trendy outfit and her hair, makeup and nails done.

After beating large cell lung cancer in 1999 and 24 years of remission, Mildred would be diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in January of this year. She fought hard with two different rounds of treatments and trips to Indianapolis, Houston, and Nashville to seek medical care. Unfortunately, Mildred passed away just three hours prior to beginning a clinical trial to help advance research in this area. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Anthony Stephens, MD, and the staff of Heritage Hospice for the care and support they provided Mildred.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde S. Beck Jr.; daughter, Stephanie Beck Tipton; three brothers, W.A., Laverne Eugene, and Barney Lee; sister, Helen Marjorie Capps; and dear pet, Zoey.

Mildred is survived by granddaughter, Tawne (Jonathon) Wandling; great grandchildren, Witten and Charlotte; and sister, Daisy Rickard; as well as many other dear nieces and nephews.

The family invites you to honor and celebrate her life on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road. The service will be officiated by brother-in-law, Dr. Tom Savage. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Alexander North Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mildred’s name to Grace Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.