Charles Wayne Beck

Charles Wayne Beck, 93 and lifetime resident of Indianapolis, departed this life Saturday, October 10, 2020. Wayne, as he liked to be called, was born May 22, 1927 to the late Helen (Poehler) Bess and Harry E. Beck. Wayne grew up in the Fountain Square area, under the loving guidance of his maternal grandparents, Henry and Margaret Poehler, whom he referred to as angels and saints. He attended Arsenal Technical High School, where he studied in the Electrical Repair & Trade Shop. Immediately upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Seaman First Class USNR from May 21, 1945 through August 21, 1946. Wayne earned the World War II Victory Medal Asiatic Pacific Ribbon during his time of service. One of his fondest memories was when he coincidentally ran into his longtime childhood friend, Tom Delay, in Shanghai, China while both were on weekend leave. After returning home, he married Barbara J. McDonald on June 10, 1951 and began a career as an electrician at McBroom Electrical. He continued his work at General Electric, moving his way up from electrician to shop foreman and eventually sales engineer. Wayne retired at age 60 and could fondly be remembered driving his red 1997 Mercedes SL convertible around town while revelling in his newfound freedom. He helped with Barbara’s business, Frames & Things, in Carmel and treasured his weekly lunches with his dear brothers. Wayne appreciated the simple things in life. He was committed to staying fit and enjoyed golf immensely. He was proud to shoot a Hole in One at Sahm’s Golf Course on March 29, 1995. He also held a passion for food that was unparalleled. It was a topic of many conversations and memories. We always said he could have written a very compelling book, as he was truly a food connoisseur. Many people who had the honor of serving him would say that he was their favorite customer. Wayne was a steadfast fish fry volunteer as well for many years at Epworth United Methodist Church. He was a longtime and dedicated member and will long be remembered for his early arrivals on Sundays, always sitting on “the bench” where he could greet all of his great friends in Christ. Wayne is predeceased by his dear wife of 65 years, Barbara J. (McDonald) Beck, and brothers, Richard E. Beck and Elwood H. Beck. He is survived by his three children, John (Janet) Beck, Nancy Beck (John White), and Carol (Scott) Yarling, and four grandchildren, Sarah Yarling, Emily (Jarrett) Strong, Anna Yarling, and Andrew Yarling. Wayne was a rock at the center of the Beck family and he will be greatly missed. A private memorial service and interment will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s honor may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church or the Marquette Manor Foundation. Online tributes are available at www.leppertmortuary.com.