Donald L. Beckett

Donald L. Beckett, 93, of Columbus, passed away on April 23, 2025. He was born November 24, 1931, in Akron Ohio, to the late Raymond and Dorothy (Simmons) Beckett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Bowman) Beckett; brothers Jim, Ed, Dick, and Jack Beckett; sister Janet Spencer; son-in-law, Bob Plato; and granddaughter, Kelly Zimmerman.

Don graduated from Heidelberg College where he majored in History and Political Science. He continued his education at Ohio State University’s law program and earned a degree of Juris Doctor. Soon after graduating from Heidelberg, Don married his loving wife & classmate, Jean. They were married 68 wonderful years and raised 3 daughters. Don was very proud of being a husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa.

Don was a probate attorney for 50 years. He didn’t consider it work because he loved what he did, and he provided his services with the philosophy of working with his clients as though he was a member of their family.

In the 1980s, Don & Jean created Beckett’s Doll House in downtown Worthington. It was a labor of love which included travels to doll conventions, doll shows, and auctions. Don loved meeting people wherever they went.

In 2002, Don retired, and they closed the doll store to move to Florida.

Don Enjoyed charitable work, helping others. He especially had a heart for feeding the hungry. While in Florida, Don volunteered at the community garden as a manager. With the help of 30 or more volunteers, they grew 35 to 40 tons of vegetables per year which supplied 3 soup kitchens and 6 food pantries.

Most importantly, Don loved God and his family. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Cindy Plato Falter (Tony Falter), Katherine Beckett, Karen (Carl) Zimmerman; grandchildren, Brian (Ali) Plato, Lori (Eric) Lopez, Kristen Zimmerman; great-grandchildren, Sadie and Maevry Plato, and Christina and Eric Lopez.

A funeral celebrating Don’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11am at Worthington Presbyterian Church. His family will receive friends there that morning from 10 to 10:45am. Interment will follow at Flint Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Worthington Presbyterian Church (general fund), or the Worthington Historical Society.

Don’s advice he would like to pass on – “Do things in your life you enjoy – and while doing so, help others.”