Sidney Paul 'Big Sid' 'Paul' Beck, age 93, passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side on June 22, 2025, in Indialantic Florida.
Paul was born in Mississippi in March 12, 1932.
At seventeen, he dropped out of school and joined the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 22-year career. He served during the Korean War and rose to the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant — an extraordinary achievement for a high school dropout who later earned his GED and college degree with the support of his wife. After retiring from the Air Force, he built a second career in the trucking industry, ultimately serving as Director of Claims at Yellow Freight Systems in Kansas City. He retired at 55 to spend his days watching baseball, following politics, and, when the time came, caring for his grandson Nathan. Paul was quiet, kind, and principled. He grew up poor in the South in the 1930s but chose a different path — one of fairness, integrity, and genuine openness. He welcomed people of all backgrounds into his home, coached Glen's baseball, taught Stacey to dance and attended his grandchildren's big life moments like concerts, tournaments, graduations, and weddings. He remained sharp and engaged until his final day. He was a lifelong Democrat who believed deeply in helping those who needed it most, because he remembered when he needed it and the programs weren't there then to help. He despised injustice in all its forms.
Together, Sheila and Paul built a life. They raised a family. They traveled the world. They showed up for people. They taught their children and grandchildren to work hard, to be accountable, to believe in themselves, and to treat everyone with dignity. That legacy lives on.
Survived by their children, son Glen Beck and daughter-in-law Diane Beck of Shalimar FL and daughter Stacey Marmolejo of Indialantic FL; grandchildren Kristofer Beck and wife Tina, MS, Jonathan Beck, MO, Emily Beck and partner Claire, CA, Nathan Beck and wife Morgan, CA, Nicole LeMaster and fiancé Marc, FL; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Victoria, Alexandra, Aden, Parker, Jack, Morgan and Wade; siblings and families: Paul's nieces Avis Bourdette (David), Anne Beck Strehlow, Janet Beck Schwartz, Karen Beck Perry, Julie Beck Schopfer and Joni Beck; Sheila's brother, David Rapp (Judy), nieces and nephews Kelly Hodge (Kent), John Rapp (Stacey), Maggie Rapp-Purvis (Kent) and their children as well as the many wonderful caretakers at The Gardens in St. Paul, many of whom feel like family.
Preceded in death by their parents Clarence and Zella Beck, Mervin and Marie Rapp, Sheila's sister Rita. Paul's siblings, Miller Earl, Martha, Jerry, Harold and Alice Carol and his sister-in-law Margueritte Travis Beck Stanbery.
Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Military Honors
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota Minneapolis 612-200-2777 Duluth 218-208-0377
Sidney Paul 'Big Sid' 'Paul' Beck, age 93, passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side on June 22, 2025, in Indialantic Florida.
Paul was born in Mississippi in March 12, 1932.
At seventeen, he dropped out of school and joined the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished 22-year career. He served during the Korean War and rose to the highest enlisted rank of Chief Master Sergeant — an extraordinary achievement for a high school dropout who later earned his GED and college degree with the support of his wife. After retiring from the Air Force, he built a second career in the trucking industry, ultimately serving as Director of Claims at Yellow Freight Systems in Kansas City. He retired at 55 to spend his days watching baseball, following politics, and, when the time came, caring for his grandson Nathan. Paul was quiet, kind, and principled. He grew up poor in the South in the 1930s but chose a different path — one of fairness, integrity, and genuine openness. He welcomed people of all backgrounds into his home, coached Glen's baseball, taught Stacey to dance and attended his grandchildren's big life moments like concerts, tournaments, graduations, and weddings. He remained sharp and engaged until his final day. He was a lifelong Democrat who believed deeply in helping those who needed it most, because he remembered when he needed it and the programs weren't there then to help. He despised injustice in all its forms.
Together, Sheila and Paul built a life. They raised a family. They traveled the world. They showed up for people. They taught their children and grandchildren to work hard, to be accountable, to believe in themselves, and to treat everyone with dignity. That legacy lives on.
Survived by their children, son Glen Beck and daughter-in-law Diane Beck of Shalimar FL and daughter Stacey Marmolejo of Indialantic FL; grandchildren Kristofer Beck and wife Tina, MS, Jonathan Beck, MO, Emily Beck and partner Claire, CA, Nathan Beck and wife Morgan, CA, Nicole LeMaster and fiancé Marc, FL; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Victoria, Alexandra, Aden, Parker, Jack, Morgan and Wade; siblings and families: Paul's nieces Avis Bourdette (David), Anne Beck Strehlow, Janet Beck Schwartz, Karen Beck Perry, Julie Beck Schopfer and Joni Beck; Sheila's brother, David Rapp (Judy), nieces and nephews Kelly Hodge (Kent), John Rapp (Stacey), Maggie Rapp-Purvis (Kent) and their children as well as the many wonderful caretakers at The Gardens in St. Paul, many of whom feel like family.
Preceded in death by their parents Clarence and Zella Beck, Mervin and Marie Rapp, Sheila's sister Rita. Paul's siblings, Miller Earl, Martha, Jerry, Harold and Alice Carol and his sister-in-law Margueritte Travis Beck Stanbery.
Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Military Honors
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota Minneapolis 612-200-2777 Duluth 218-208-0377
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