Lawrence Varnum Anthony Beckman Jr.

February 4, 1943 – January 10, 2026

Dr. Lawrence V. Beckman, a distinguished engineer, entrepreneur, and devoted family man, passed away leaving behind a legacy defined by intellect, innovation, pride, and deep love for his family.

Larry grew up in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, where he developed the roots, values, and unmistakable personality that stayed with him throughout his life. He was an extremely proud Holy Cross High School Tiger and carried that pride throughout his life. Larry went on to attend Tulane University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering in 1964 and his PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1969. A lifelong Greenie, Tulane was far more than an alma mater to him — it was a core part of his identity and a source of immense pride. The education and foundation Larry received — particularly from Tulane — shaped not only his professional accomplishments, but also enabled him to create a safe, stable, and comfortable life for his family, one that continues to support them even after his passing.

After completing his education, Dr. Beckman built a remarkable career in industrial safety and process control. He held senior executive roles early in his career, including serving as Vice President of Tano Corporation. He later became Vice President of Marketing at Triconex, a global leader in safety-instrumented systems, where he played a key role in advancing safety technologies within high-hazard industries.

After spending a decade in Mission Viejo, California, he eventually settled in Houston, Texas, where he raised his family and built the career that would define his professional legacy, remaining there until his untimely passing. Larry ultimately founded and built SafePlex Systems, Inc. from the ground up, creating a highly respected Houston-based safety systems integrator and consultancy. Through his work and niche safety inventions, he established himself as a recognized expert in the oil and gas industry and beyond. Throughout his career, he was deeply involved in industry standards development, including long-standing participation on the ISA SP84 functional safety committee. He retired as a successful business owner, immensely proud of the company and reputation he built through decades of hard work, precision, and expertise.

Outside of work, Larry approached life with the same intensity and passion he brought to his career. He loved fishing, football, and politics, often analyzing all three with equal enthusiasm. He was best known for yelling at the New Orleans Saints from his living room

as if they could hear him all the way from the Superdome — a pastime that brought equal parts humor and volume to his home.

Larry was a complex and deeply analytical engineer with a unique love language — one expressed through teaching, problem-solving, and sharing knowledge. Those who knew him well understood that beneath his intensity and booming opinions was a man of deep devotion to his family and an unwavering pride in the life he built.

He was married to Diane Beckman, for over fifty years. They were married in New Orleans, the city that always remained home in his heart. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his oldest daughter, Lauren Beckman (35); and his youngest daughter, Meghan Beckman (32). He was also the devoted owner of his beloved cat, Caitlin.

Despite being the most prideful Greenie imaginable, Larry was also the loudest and most enthusiastic cheering section when his youngest daughter graduated from Louisiana State University — even though she remained, to his playful dismay, a lifelong and faithful Tiger fan.

Larry’s favorite color was blue, a fitting reflection of his steady intellect and steadfast loyalty. He will be remembered for his brilliance, his voice, his pride, and the enduring sense of security, love, and opportunity he created for his family. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the company he built, and the many lives made safer through his work.