Rev. Clifford Franklin Beckett was born May 16, 1914 in Belleville, WV. Frank went to be with his heavenly Father on May 18, 2011. He is preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Mary Beckett. Rev. Beckett has been in the ministry for 70 years, pastoring Nazarene Churches in West Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, South Dakota as well as Fort Smith First Nazarene.
Rev. Beckett also was the Chaplain at Health South for nine years; he prayed the prayer of dedication for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge crossing the Arkansas River for the 540 bypass.
The Beckett's moved to the Greenhurst Nursing Center in Charleston in 2004. Kriss and Fred Schaffer immediately appointed Frank to be the chaplain for Greenhurst. He loved visiting and praying with the residents as well as staff.
Rev. Beckett is survived by his three children and their spouses: Gordon & Carole Beckett, Vernon & Jeannie Beckett, and Mary Jane & Richard Cox. Grandchildren and their spouses: Bruce & Joanne Beckett, Brian & Heather Beckett, Brent Beckett, Beth Beckett, Jill Cox, Barry & Kim Beckett, Buffy & Chris McDonald. Great Grandchildren: Allison Beckett, Chloe & Courtney McDonald, Sophie and Noah Beckett.
Frank enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, and fishing. Their travels took them to many places in North America. Frank loved people and most of all introducing them to the Christ he dearly loved and is now with. He never let a family member leave him without his praying for them. He will be greatly missed.
The family especially would like to thank the owners, nurses, and staff at Greenhurst who have so lovingly cared for him, spending many hours by his beside in his final days of illness.
Services will be at Fentress Mortuary Chapel, 1805 North “A” Street Ft. Smith, AR on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Family visitation will be 10:00 AM until service time. Interment will be at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Rev. Frank Beckett Memorial Chapel fund, at Greenhurst Nursing Center P.O. Box 458 Charleston, AR 72933.
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