On May 7, 2026, we lost another member of the Greatest Generation. Just two months short of turning 100, Byron Eugene Beck died peacefully in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He was born on July 5, 1926, in Madison, South Dakota to parents Josephus Bryan Beck and Margaret Ruth Chapin Beck of Winfred, South Dakota. He was intelligent and curious, always seeking to learn something new. He was a loving husband and always sacrificed in deference to others. He was a great man.
His formative years were spent in Kansas City, Missouri, where he enjoyed music and played several instruments. His real passion was the Boy Scouts, earning the Eagle award with bronze and silver palms and serving in the scouting honor society of the Heart of America Regional Scouting District.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II, then attended Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois. In 1949, he received a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a major in Industrial Engineering. The same year, he joined Mars, Inc. as a Production Control Manager. He married Dorothy Jean Ernst whom he had met while serving in Corpus Christi, and they spent their early years in Oak Park, IL where daughter Jennifer was born.
In 1955, they returned to Corpus Christi, he joined PPG Industries Chemicals Division and in 1969 was named Chief Plant Engineer. In 1971 he joined the Central Engineering Group, located in Pittsburgh, and as project manager he oversaw capital expansions throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. He was named Manager of Projects in 1981, a position he held until he retired in 1987.
On January 23, 1986, he married Carolyn Carlson of Lake Charles, LA. After retirement, he and Carolyn attained IRS certification as Enrolled Agents, and established Wimberley Tax Service. He was an active member of the Lions Club and Chapel in the Hills while they lived in Wimberley.
In 2001 Byron and Carolyn returned to Lake Charles. Byron and Carolyn were members of First United Methodist Church and the Builder's Sunday School Class.
Byron is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Carlson Beck, Byron’s daughter Jennifer Beck Harris (Roger Harris), grandchildren Jeffrey David Harris (Audrey Burnet Harris), Katherine Beck Harris Pierce (John Nicholas Pierce), great grandchildren Alex Francis Pierce and Felix Beck Pierce, and niece Becky Dibiasio.
He is also lovingly survived by Carolyn’s family: daughter Cindy Royer (Jeff Royer); grandchildren, Kashia Spears (Kevin Spears), Brandon Henagan (Courtney Henagen), and Christin Dowers (Jake Dowers); great-grandchildren, Madi Spears, Myles Spears, Evee Henagan, and Barret Dowers; and great-great-grandson, Chase Spears.
He is also survived by Buddy’s family: wife Lorrie Dollar; granddaughters, Lindsay Duryea (Chris Duryea), Bethany Mason (Geoffrey Mason), Katya Dollar-Luong wife of Joshua Dollar; great-grandchildren, Jaiden Mason, Avery Mason, Charles Mason, Alton Mason, Layla Duryea, Joshua Duryea, and Amelie Dollar.
Preceded in death by parents Josephus Bryan Beck and Margeret Ruth Chapin Beck, sister Barbara Beck McCan, first wife Dorothy Jean Ernst Beck, and Carolyn’s son Buddy Dollar and grandson, Joshua Dollar.
Memorial service with reception to follow will be held at 11:00 Friday, May 15th in the Hixson & Sons Funeral Home of Lake Charles, 3001 Ryan St. Rev. Weldon Bares will officiate.
