Clarence "Junior" Beck, 80, of Bronson, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek.


A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Bethel Gilead Community Church with Pastor Jim Erwin officiating. Interment will follow at East Gilead Cemetery with military honors provided by the Orland American Legion. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dutcher-Kolcz Funeral Home in Bronson.


Junior was born on June 5, 1931 to Clarence H. and Mildred (Casebeer) Beck in Gilead Township. He was raised on the family farm in Gilead Twp. and graduated from Orland High School in 1949. He married Nancy L. Sperry on December 28, 1949 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He served honorably in U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He worked in the dispensary and attained the rank of Corporal.


Junior returned home to his wife and family farm after his military service. He operated the farm nearly all of his life. He and Nancy attended Bethel Gilead Community Church for many years and he was a member of the Orland American Legion for 39 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. He especially loved the Detroit Tigers.


Mr. Beck is survived by his wife, Nancy, his children Robin (David) Kiomento of Bronson, Perry (Margaret) Beck of Belmont, Lisa (Charles) Shimp and Joe (Jody) Beck, both of Bronson, his brother-in-law Richard Yardley of Idaho, his grandchildren; Jeff Beck, Lynn Tacia, Ryan Kiomento, Lee Beck, Ashley Kiomento, Brandon Beck, Bailey Miller, Samantha Shimp, Tana Shimp and 6 great grandchildren.


He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Eleanor Taylor and Leone Yardley.