Another of the "Greatest Generation" has passed away. My Dad, William Lonnie Beckes was born March 1st, 1927 in Cushing Oklahoma. His parents were P.C. and Maude Beckes.  He was the 10th of 11 children and was the last surviving child of that union. He left school at an early age and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp at the age of 16 because that what his older brother Paul had done. He lied about his age to be accepted. During WWII he was stationed in the South Pacific. While there he began receiving letters from a young lady in the states. Numerous letters were exchanged and upon his discharge 2 March 1946 he travelled to Springfield Missouri to meet this young lady. My mom, Mary Louise Tisher and dad were married March 25th, 1946. Dad was looking for work and they relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area.  He drove a bus in the east bay for what was then called Key System and is now known as AC Transit. In 1957 he began a 23 year career driving for Loomis Armored Car Service. I came along in October of 1953 and was their only child. Dad enjoyed boating and RVing and we had countless trips with friends and family. Both he and mom were avid league bowlers, and many nights were spent at local bowling establishments.

He retired due to medical issues in 1980 and they relocated to Springfield, Missouri in 1988. Mom was never one to stay in one place for long, and dad couldn't say no, so they moved between Missouri and California several times.  My parents were married for 62 years, until mom's death September 30th, 2008. Dad was in declining health the last few years.. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Bill and Patty Beckes of Eagle, Idaho. Two grandchildren, Ryan Beckes Master Sargent U.S. Air Force stationed in Germany and Anthony Holcomb of Boise, Idaho. His Brother-in-law Fred Carroll of Springfield, Missouri and many nieces and nephews

I would like to thank Paramount Assisted Living in Eagle, Idaho and Signature Hospice of Nampa, Idaho for their kindness and care during the last year. Also, the Veterans Services Division of Idaho for helping Dad obtain a VA pension which enabled him to afford the care he needed. Dad will be buried at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri where he will be with Mom. In lieu of flowers  please donate to any Veterans charity or a charity of your choice.