Raymond T. Beck Jr., 78, passed away peacefully at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on Tuesday, May
16, 2023.
Raymond was born on September 28, 1944 to Raymond T. Beck Sr. and Ruth C. Beck in St.
Louis Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 1963 where he served on the USS Belknap
DLG-26 for four years as a chef/cook. He continued his service in the Naval Reserves and was
deployed to Vietnam. His time in the Naval Reserves continued until his discharge in 1970.
Raymond was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
After his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Raymond served in the Army Reserves from 1980 to
1988 where he was awarded the first and second Army Reserve Components Achievements
Medals.
Raymond made many friends as a social member of the Gateway Corkball Club in St. Louis,
Missouri. He adhered to a set weekly agenda of poker on Monday nights, golf on Tuesdays and
Sundays, and gin on Wednesday nights. He and his friends played in golf tournaments in St.
Louis and in other states. He was also a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis
Blues.
Raymond is preceded in death by his wife Janette Beck, his parents Ray and Ruth, and his two
sisters, Ruthie A. Baughman and Faye R. Shearer. He is survived by his only brother John H.
Beck. He is also survived by his three children Raymond Beck, David Beck and Shauna Beck,
ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Two angel great grandbabies were there to greet
him when his time here was through. Lastly he is also survived by his stepdaughter, Janelle
Bavota. Raymond was a loving brother, uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend to many.
There will be a military burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Tuesday, May 30,
2023 at 10:30 a.m. Following the services a “Celebration of Life” luncheon will be held for family
and friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers remembrances be sent to the American Cancer
Society.