Clarence Matthew Beck

Clarence grew up in Smithville, Texas, and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in March of 1943, serving his country in World War II. He served 29 months of active sea duty on both the U.S.S. Algorab and the U.S.S. Blue Ridge, attaining the rating of Coxswain, and gaining invaluable exposure to the world, while “answer[ing] the call of [his] country and serv[ing] in its Armed Forces to bring about the total defeat of the enemy” (a letter to servicemen Clarence saved from Harry Truman following victory in the war).

Upon his return, he found a new love that fed his need to interact with as many people as possible: barbering. He cut hair on the drag at Wooten Barber Shop for years and had many local celebrities in his chair, who gifted him with eons of artifacts and memorabilia to continue to mark his value to his community. When he finally “retired” from the drag, he continued his passion at John’s Barber Shop in Round Rock till it was finally time to hang up his clippers.

Clarence never met a stranger. Clarence loved God, Mary, hats, watering his plants, taking long walks, sitting under the pecan tree, loyalty, Jack-Jack, long chats on the phone, baseball, meat and potatoes, his faith, the Longhorns, being stubborn, a hot slice of pie with ice cream, flirting, and his people. He simply loved people - seeing how they tick, how they absorb life, how they can bring joy. His ability to make these connections is what made him abundantly unique and aboundingly loved.

We would like to extend our fervent thanks to several people and places who made his transition to being with God and Mary and everlasting, healing light as tranquil as possible. Mardi Benedict of Valerian HH: you are a gift. There are no other words to describe who and what you’ve been to us as we navigated elder care. Your love for Clarence, and your passion for all people to have the dignity they deserve is greatly regarded. The staff at University Village Memory Care and Assisted Living: THANK YOU for creating a space of love and comfort to Clarence and all residents you serve. It is noted that you made all of us feel like family, and you treated the one we love like family. Clarence’s St. William’s Church family: thank you for giving him the gifts of time, faith, and friendship. Your persistence and regular loyalty was a constant he could easily count on, making his transitions as seamless as possible. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

A visitation for Clarence will be held Wednesday, July 5, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35 in Pflugerville, Tx. 78660 with a rosary service following at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. William Catholic Church, 620 Round Rock West Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681. Following the Funeral Mass, he will be laid to rest with military honors at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Beck family.