Charles Beck

Charles Beck, formerly of Howard, age 93, passed away at home on June 5, 2026.

Charles was born in Charleston, WV on November 22, 1932 to the late Charles and Helen Adeline (Lague) Beck. He dedicated a 40 year career as a chemist to Occidental Chemical (originally Diamond Alkalai then Diamond Shamrock) and also working with ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials). He was a member of the St. Luke Catholic Church in Danville, and the Knights of Columbus. He also donated his time to Habitat for Humanity.

Charles was a loving, tender, nurturing father of 8, who also served as mentor, coach, and wise counselor. He possessed an immense propensity for grace, compassion, and mercy. He was a master wood craftsman, who created family heirlooms from blank lumber that will be treasured for the passionate hand that painstakingly wrought them. He was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, and golfer, as a member of various leagues, and a runner for a time who rose before the rooster crowed to get his morning jog in, and even completed the Cleveland Marathon! He was a faithful servant to God and to his beloved church, St. Luke’s, who accepted any task for the betterment of the whole, even returning to his youthful duty as an altar server at St. Luke’s in later years. He also dedicated some of his fine woodworking pieces to the annual fundraising event. He was generous and charitable to anyone in need. He delivered hot meals to residents in the area, often accepting the most difficult and distant route, and bringing the recipients more than a meal, but also vital human contact and kindheartedness

Besides his parents, Charles was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Ann Walker, and his wife, Norma, who he cherished his 55 year marriage with. A bond that remains an inspiration to his family. Their complete and utter devotion to each other, during the heights of joy, and the depths of suffering.

He is survived by his children; Charles J. Beck and Nora Dupay of Chardon, Robert A. Beck of Cleveland, Andrew Beck of Mount Vernon, Mary Lynn (Gordon) Hyde of Gambier, David Matthew Beck of Painesville, Edward Michael (Mary Ann) Beck of Brighton, Michigan, Jennifer A. (Robert) Ritchie of Painesville, and Amy (Thomas) Elszasz of Fleetwood, NC, 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 12, at the St Luke Catholic Church, 307 S. Market St., Danville with Fathers Vince Nguyen and Homer Blubaugh officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date at St. Luke Cemetery. The Fischer Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A memorial page for Charles is located at fischerfuneralhome.com.