Raymond Horace Beck

Raymond Horace Beck, 91, of Van Buren, AR, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away Wednesday, April 25, 2012, in Van Buren. He was born October 14, 1920 in Scooba, MS to the late William Henry and Minnie Elizabeth Conner Beck. He was retired from the United States Army after twenty-six years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam where he served two tours of duty. During World War II he served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Silver Star, One Bronze Arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany and Japan Clasp, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal.

He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, the Arkansas Retired Military Association, American Legion Post #31, D.A.V., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #08845 the NRA.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Ruth C. Beck, sons Richard E. Grace and Frank M. Grace, parents William and Minnie Beck, six brothers and five sisters.

Funeral service will be 1:00 PM Monday, April 30, 2012, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Whedbee officiating. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery with Full Military Honors under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.

He is survived by two daughters Roberta R. McCammon of Van Buren and Dianna L. Boyles & husband Ronald R. Boyles, Sr. of Van Buren, AR, one son James R. Grace of Monroe, LA, twenty-two grandchildren, forty-nine great grandchildren, nineteen great great grandchildren numerous nieces and nephews including his first niece Virginia Butler, Violet Howe and husband Charles of TX, Rita Howard of LA, nephews Thomas Beck and wife Annie Ruth of Monroe, LA and Bill Rainer of LA.

The family will visit with friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.