Beach H. Tuckness

Beach graduated from Springfield High School where he was a member of the Order of DeMolay. He served in the Coast Guard in 1942. He attended the University of Missouri where he played football and joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1951 from Central Missouri State College where he met his wife, Jean E. Meyers. They were married on March 24, 1951. In 1971, Beach earned his Master of Science degree from CMSC.

Beach was a beloved and highly respected teacher and coach at Rockhurst High School for 37 years. He began his career at Rockhurst in 1953. He coached freshman football and track from 1954 to 1975, began the school’s wrestling program in 1967 and ran it through 1980. His football teams had multiple years of undefeated and unscored against seasons. He retired in 1990. He was well known for his wit and good humor. One of the best quotes shared by a student reflected on a time when that student asked Coach how he should run the 440 in track. He stated, “Run as fast as you can and gradually increase your speed.” Beach was friendly, outgoing and made friends wherever he went. He is fondly remembered by many of his former students who felt that Coach T. helped steer them toward success in life. Coaching and teaching at Rockhurst was a job he loved dearly. He developed lifetime friendships with many faculty, students and members of the clergy. He was an avid golfer and frequently could be found on the course with his best friends, Ned Carlin and the late Al Davis as well as his many other friends from the Rockhurst community. Beach came from very humble beginnings, yet valued education and developed a deep love of classical music. He taught himself about the stock market and would give tips to anyone who was willing to listen. Dad loved taking his grandkids to Winchell’s donuts, watching their school, sporting, and musical events as well as giving and getting “big hugs.” He also took on the challenge of teaching his grandchildren how to play golf. For his children, he displayed steadfastness and provided the perfect example of resilience.

Beach is survived by his wife, Jean E. Tuckness, daughters, Claire Barron and husband Tim, Joan Hisle, Susan Eubank and husband Chris, and Jane Skinner and husband Bill. He is also survived by six loving grandchildren; Justin Skinner, Sarah Baldridge and husband Allen, Tim Barron, Will Hisle, Journey Eubank and Adam Hisle who is currently serving in the Navy in Sasebo, Japan. Beach was recently blessed with his first great grandchild, Juliana.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at Rockhurst High School, 9301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO. The memorial service will be 5:30 p.m. in the Rose Theatre at the school. A reception will follow directly after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made in honor of Coach Tuckness to Rockhurst High School. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Rockhurst community for all the love and support that they have provided to Dad and his family. Online condolences may be given at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.