Julian Earl (“J. Earl”) Beckman, Jr. (81), born March 29, 1937, went to be with Jesus on November 5, 2018 after a brief and courageous fight with lung cancer. Earl was born in Jackson County, Texas to Julian and Hattie (Marthiljohni) Beckman. Earl, also known as “Lefty,” was an all-star athlete throughout High School, graduating Valedictorian from Edna High School in 1955.
At Texas A & M, class of 1959, he majored in Chemical Engineering and was a member of 4 honorary fraternities in addition to being a Battalion Commander of 4 Companies.
He worked for Union Carbide for 25 years, in many capacities: engineering, sales, management, eventually becoming Plant Manager of the South Charleston, West Virginia plant. In 1982, he became the President of Marathon Morco in Dickinson, Texas, and in 1985, CEO of Marathon LeTourneau in Longview, Texas where he worked for 12 years. Earl retired in 1995 to College Station to enjoy golf and Aggie Sports.
He had a generous spirit and quietly mentored many people in addition to supporting his church and Christian ministries, especially Salvation Army, S.O.S. ministries, Hope Pregnancy and Christ United Methodist Church in College Station. He and his wife Jeanne were huge Aggie supporters, reflected in their permanent endowment of two 12th Man Scholarships.
Earl was an avid golfer who inspired all three of his daughters to learn the sport. He had an exceptional collection of Aggie Football games on video (and VCR tapes) that he would review before each upcoming Aggie football game so he could coach the team from his stadium seats or his recliner at home.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jeanne Beckman, daughters Laura Hedge (Chris), Michelle Kocurek (Michael) and Shea Davis ’95 (Lance ‘88) and six amazing grandchildren, sisters Evelyn Parker, Leona Valenta and brother J.B. Pruitt (Pam).
A “Maroon-Out” service and Celebration of Life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church in College Station on November 19, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., with a private burial at Aggie Field of Honor. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Salvation Army or S.O.S. Ministries in Bryan, Texas.
Jeanne, we were very sad to hear of Earl’s passing. We have such special memories of the two of you. Please accept our condolences and know that we love you.
As many as the tears here on earth, Heaven rejoices at the greeting of Earl as he has journeyed Home. Jeanne, we are so very sorry at his passing. Earl was one of our favorite persons, ever. May God’s peace overwhelm you and yours and cover you as He carries you along now and in the future.
I worked with Earl “Lefty” Beckman at the Union Carbide plant in So. Charleston, West Virginia and admired him greatly. He was a competent and trusted colleague, manager and leader. He was also great fun to work with and be around. People at all levels of the organization liked and respected him. I am sad to hear of his passing and wish his family and friends my best wishes. I am certain he was loved and will be missed.
Earl was a good friend and neighbor. He was a fine Christian man and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Jerry and Connie Bradshaw