Joel William Beckmann

Joel William Beckmann of Tehachapi, CA, was born August 26, 1942 and passed away August 31, 2016. Joel is survived by his loving wife Barbara Beckmann, his sister Patricia Kneeland, his daughters Kristin (John) Beucherie, Tara (John) Schutz, Sherri (Tim) Wilson, Tracy Madison and Kimberly (Erich) Hernandez-Baquero, grandchildren Jessica, Michaela, Kurtis, Nathan, Adam, Casey, Chad, Cassandra, Cooper, Jack, Matthew, Mia, and one great-granddaughter, Luna, and many nieces and nephews.

Our Dad was generous, kind and a friend to all, a scientist and train buff, with an insatiable quest for learning and a lifelong interest in how the world works. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, retiring as Lt. Colonel, after which he worked in the private sector, and then as a civil servant at Edwards Air Force Base. One would think retirement would mean leisure time, but not for Joel. He used his interests and talents as Chairman of the Board of the Arts, Science and Technology Corporation of Tehachapi and worked on fundraising and construction of the STEAM Center on the Tehachapi High School campus amongst other programs to enhance learning opportunities and spark the growth of the minds of kids.

He said, "A child who wonders why things work like they do, why people act like they do, and dig into any unanswered questions they have, is bound to be successful." He added, "Education is so important because it forms the basis for sustaining and advancing our existence." He was involved in his church, Stallion Springs Community Church, and will be remembered for sharing his smile, his enthusiasm for life and for his ability to encourage us all to believe in ourselves.

Here is a link for when Joel Beckmann was named 'Citizen of the Year':

http://www.tehachapinews.com/news/joel-beckmann-named-citizen-of-the-year/article_6b1a09e9-8d98-5fa4-a43a-c0d3d6a7bf41.html

Arrangements under the direction of Joshua Memorial Park & Mortuary, Lancaster, California.