Lyman Beckett, age 94 of Beavercreek, devoted husband and father, business owner, farmer, sports enthusiast, dog lover, and self-styled comedian passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2014 after a lengthy battle with kidney failure. Lyman was born on a farm in rural Whitewater Township near Cincinnati to parents Richard E and Mary E Beckett – the seventh of eight children. His career began when he accompanied his older brother to work as a carpenter on the Pentagon. At Cincinnati-based Hilltop Concrete, he progressed from driver to Manager of Operations in Dayton. He then left to co-own the C&M Ready Mix Company. A Beavercreek resident for 52 years, he was seen during growing seasons standing among the string-straight rows of his half acre garden plot. Cars in his long concrete driveway often spilled out onto the street, signaling another cookout, fish fry or card party. Neighbors, associates, and extended family all were friends to “Red” Beckett. He made a regular pilgrimage down Dixie Highway and later I75 to visit his Cincinnati siblings and in-laws, where he would share his lively sense of humor. Competent Red Skelton and John Wayne imitations were among his repertoire, as were his sometimes-funny practical jokes and gags. Lyman was a kind, generous, hard-working man who filled his later days with every sort of home project, punctuated by naps on his favorite patio recliner. He was preceded in death by his parents, 7 siblings, wife Rosella, and daughter Jane Koepfer. He is survived by his children Pat (Barry) Chmiel, Richard (Karen), and John (Chris); son-in-law Greg Koepfer; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren. Friends may call at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME- Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Road at Grange Hall on Friday evening, May 16, 2014 from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Ascension, 2025 Woodman Dr., Kettering, OH 45420 on Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to SICSA, 2600 Wilmington Pk., Dayton, OH 45419 in Lyman’s memory.
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