Capt. USN Ret. Walter Raymond Beck's Obituary
Beck, Walter Raymond Jr. “Ray”, 82. Born: December 7, 1932 to Walter Raymond Beck, Sr. and Florence Jacobs Beck in Chicago, Illinois. Died: December 31, 2014 in Lewes, Delaware.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joan Clark Beck; 2 children Brian Beck (Carol) and Susan Latham (Paul); 2 grandchildren (Olivia Latham and Beck Latham). He was preceded in death by his brother; Robert Beck (Audrey).
Ray graduated from Downers Grove High School in June of 1950 and left immediately to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1954 and embarked on a career that spanned 30 years and six continents. He was the commanding officer of both the USS Amherst, stationed in Philadelphia; and the USS Collette stationed in San Diego.
It was while he was stationed in Philadelphia that he met the love of his life, Joan Clark. They were married in 1959. He served two tours in Vietnam and five years at the Pentagon. He received numerous awards and accommodations for his service. He was stationed in Tehran, Iran just prior to the hostage crisis and served three years in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The family took advantage of the overseas tours to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
Ray retired from the Navy as a Captain with full honors in June 1984 after which he began a new career as a consultant with Vitro Corporation. He retired from Vitro after 11 years. Ray then decided to run for the Maryland House of Delegates for the 39th District and won the election. He served four years from 1995 to 1999.
Ray and Joan moved to Lewes, Delaware in 2007. An avid golfer, Ray enjoyed playing frequent rounds of golf with the “ball tossers” at the Rookery Golf Club where he was a member. He also enjoyed walks on the Rehoboth board walk, dining out, and “discussing” politics. Alas, with his customary military precision, the old sailor shipped out to his final destination on the last day of 2014. He will be missed by all who knew him, ‘til we meet again.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the U.S. Naval Academy Main Chapel, 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402, where friends may visit beginning at 10 AM. Entombment will immediately follow services at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions to either Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966 or the U.S. Naval Academy, 121 Blake Road, Annapolis, MD 21402 are greatly appreciated.
Please sign Ray's online guestbook at this site.
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