Joseph Allen Beck, Sr., has been called home by our heavenly Father, leaving us a legacy of love and service. Joe passed at the age of 82 years old in Austin, Texas, on June 28, 2019. Joe was a servant of the Lord using his talents to guide many throughout his career in education as a teacher, counselor, coach and the most favorite role of dad, grandpa and great grandpa.
Joe is the oldest of five sons to Arthur and Marguerite (Field) Beck from Indianapolis, Indiana. Joe attended Sacred Heart Church and School. His love of the Lord started early, that is early in the morning serving as an alter server at daily morning Mass. Following high school, he entered the seminary for one year. God had other plans and his work in Texas started. His work for the church never ended and his prayers for family and friends were unceasing. His rosary beads were always in his pocket and St. Joseph’s Missal rested on the nightstand.
In 1954 Joe moved to Austin, Texas, to attend St. Edward’s University and play basketball. He earned a degree in History and started friendships that have lasted a life-time including meeting his sweetheart, Jane. Joe married Jane Francis Lindemann in 1960 after completing his service in the United States Army stationed in Germany.
Joe began teaching history and coaching basketball at St. Edward’s High School in 1960. During those early years the family grew with Joe, Chris and Tom. Each summer the family traveled to Indianapolis for Joe to earn his Master’s degree in Counseling. Later he followed his passion to coach joining the St. Edward’s University (SEU) Hilltoppers in 1964. While at SEU he also was a career counselor. Within a few short years, the family continued to grow and include Paul and Jennifer.
Joe and Jane moved to Manchaca in 1973 were they lived until their move to Rockport in 2001. Being out in nature has always been part of making a home with family and friends. Joe was a basketball and golf coach and counselor at Pflugerville High School and then finished his career as counselor at Hays High School. He shared his talents for coaching basketball at St. Andrews Middle School and St. Michael’s High School. Throughout the years countless youth have been guided from his practical wisdom and loving support. There have been so many friends sharing in the road trips, FFA projects, golf outings, and bon fires. When the family gathered so did anyone who needed a place to call home. Of the many hobbies Joe enjoyed woodworking was one of his favorites along with anything that could improve education.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jane; his son Joe and his family Jamie, Joe and Julia; his son Chris and his family Cheryl, Megan and her husband Brandon Rodgers and great-grandson Everett, Madison, and Mallory; his son Tom and family Debbie, Christina, Matthew and Jake; his son Paul and his family Misty and Alex; daughter Jennifer and family Kevin McCarty and Joshua and Sarah. He is also survived by many other family members, ball players and friends.
Joe is preceded in his death by his parents, Arthur and Marguerite Beck; his brother Charles; his nephew Louie; his father-in-law Albert Lindemann, Sr. and his mother-in-law Adalee Baumgartner Lindemann, his sister-in-laws Ann Starnater, Mary Johns, and Martha Love; his brother-in-law Albert Lindemann, Jr. and many friends from throughout the years.
Mass of Remembrance will be scheduled at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 5, 2019, at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas. Reception will follow immediately at St. Edward’s University, Ragsdale Center in Austin, Texas.
Memorial donations may be made to rebuild the Sacred Heart Catholic School of Rockport, Texas following Hurricane Harvey (Sacred Heart School Building Fund, 213 S. Church, Rockport, Texas, 78382). The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all those who assisted Joe during his recent illness.
