Longtime Batavia Alderman Chuck Beckman Dies at 84

Charles “Chuck” Elmer Beckman Jr., 84, lifelong resident of Batavia passed away Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at Jennings Terrance in Aurora, IL. He was born January 15, 1929, in Aurora the son of Charles and Margaret (nee Mahara) Beckman. Chuck was united in marriage to his grammar school friend and sweetheart Norma Allison August 4, 1948 at the Covenant Church in Batavia.

Chuck was a loving family man, adored his church, and was extremely compassionate about the city of Batavia. Chuck dropped out of school following eighth grade. Being the oldest of seven children he went to working odd jobs at the age of 14. Not to be outdone by his own children, Chuck finished his high school degree and obtained his GED weeks prior to his oldest child's graduation.

In 1951, Chuck joined the United States Air Force where he served until 1955.  He returned to Batavia and worked as a Fireman for several years. In 1957, Chuck was determined to open his own business and with $38, a tool box and a truck, he started Chuck’s Garage. Today the successful business is still being run by his son Dennis.

Chuck had a tenacious personality and started into town politics first with the Batavia school board and later became a Batavia city alderman which he served for 30 years. He loved to give back to his church and loved to help with the direction of the community for which he loved so much.

He is survived by his wife Norma, four children Dennis (Julie) Beckman of Geneva, IL, Phyllis (Keith Potter) Beckman of Summertown, TN, Charles (Tina Lowery) Beckman of Big Rock, IL and Henry Beckman of Batavia, IL; five grandchildren Joshua, Jeremy, and Travis Beckman, Tom, and Charlie Guffey; a great-granddaughter Lexy Beckman; a great-grandson Jordan Beckman; three sisters Jean Aldrich, Joy (Arnold) Tracy, and Alice (Larry) Locke, a brother Ollie Beckman and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his sister Millie Carter and a brother Jim Beckman.

Visitation will be held 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2013 at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 South Batavia Ave,. Batavia, IL. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013 at Batavia Covenant Church 1314 Main St., Batavia, IL. He will lie in state from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be in West Batavia Cemetery.

This obituary was courtesy of Moss Family Funeral Home. For more information, call the home at 630-879-7900 or visit mossfuneral.com.