Teacher for Nearly Three Decades in Area, College Professor, Richard Henry Beck, Passes Away

Richard Henry Beck passed peacefully Sunday, February 16, 2025 at United Hospital Center.  He was born in Berwyn, Illinois to Leo and Elsie (Wickman) Beck.  Richard was a 1954 graduate of Stambaugh MI High School and a 1958 graduate of Michigan Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Richard moved to Washington, D.C. where his work for the US Coast & Geodetic Survey led him around the world installing seismographs.  It also led him to Dorothy Pigott whom he married September 23, 1961.  After moving to New Milton, WV to raise their family, Richard worked for P & M Oil Company before embarking on a new career in teaching earth science and physics, including time at Salem College and 27 years for Doddridge County schools.  Richard influenced countless students over the years and is often best remembered for leading students on camping trips in the mountains of West Virginia during his time as a traveling science teacher.

Following his retirement, Richard married Ruth Carroll and enjoyed living in Conway, South Carolina.  He enjoyed traveling, collecting coins, volunteering with the American Red Cross and researching his family genealogy.

In recent years, Richard made his home with his loving daughter, Jan, and her cats, at Crystal Lake.

For over 50 years, Richard was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Clarksburg.

Richard is survived by his children: Dorothy Janine of Crystal Lake, Richard Charles (Leta) of Crystal Lake, Garth William (Emily) of Nutter Fort and foster daughter Carole Gallagher (Carl); nine grandchildren: Jacob and Elsie Smith, Erin Beck, Ali Linville, Shane Beck (Cheyenne), Susannah and Garth Beck, Isabella and Kaden Beck; and two great grandchildren: Bentli and Rhett Linville.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by infant daughter, Erin, as well as his second wife Ruth.

Richard’s family would like to recognize Brenda Shaver for her care and companionship during his illness.

Family and friends will be received at the Davis Funeral Home for visitation, Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 3:00PM until the time of the funeral service at 7:00PM with Bishop Jackson Hamrick officiating. Online condolences can be made at www.davisfuneralhomewv.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to serve the Beck family.