Calvin E. Beck Sr.

Calvin Edsel Beck, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully (went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ) on January 23, 2015, at the home of his eldest son in Louisburg, Kansas. Cal was born in 1929 and spent his first ten years with his parents and older brother in Danbury, Nebraska. Tragically, in 1939, Cal"s father died from a sudden heart attack, so Cal and his mother moved to Atwood, Kansas, where he attended grade school and high school. Toward the end of his high school years, Cal sadly lost his mother, as well, after a sixteen year battle with cancer. So after his high school graduation, he moved to Topeka, Kansas, and moved in with his brother and sister-in-law. Cal enrolled in Washburn University in Topeka in 1948, then transferred to the University of Kansas, joined Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Chemistry. It was at KU where Cal met the love of his life, Jileanne Ogilvy. After graduation, Calvin joined the US Air Force and became a 2nd lieutenant flying the F-86 Sabre Jet. On December 5, 1954, Calvin and Jill were married. They lived their first year in Spokane, Washington, where Cal was stationed. In 1956, Cal and Jill returned to KU where Cal entered Medical School. He subsequently did a residency in Urology and then started practicing in Kansas City at St. Luke"s Hospital in 1965. Cal and Jill raised a family of three children in Mission Hills, Kansas. They were members of the Carriage Club and Mission Hills Country Club and attended St. Andrew"s Episcopal Church. Cal always enjoyed adventure and fun. He loved and owned many cars"all sorts of cars, from antique MG"s to sporty Porsches, and an elegant convertible Mercedes Benz. He was an accomplished jazz cornet player and could whistle like a bird. As for sports, Cal loved sailing, snow skiing and tennis. He was a member of the Jacomo Sailing Club and would race his Lightning every Saturday with his family. For years, twice a year, Cal would pack up his family and take them on fun, snow skiing vacations to Colorado. Tennis was another sport that he truly enjoyed. He was an avid tennis player, playing tennis even up into his 70"s. In 1985, after suffering a near fatal heart attack, Cal, Sr. received Jesus Christ into his heart and was born again. Cal and Jill became faithful members of Olathe Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Noel Alexander. During the years from 1987 through 1998, Cal and Jill were blessed with twelve grandchildren. In 1995, Cal retired from his medical practice to care for his beloved wife after her diagnosis of PSP (a severe neurological disease). They were able to spend several wonderful winters in Englewood, Florida until Jill"s disease made it too difficult for her to travel. Cal lovingly cared for Jill until she passed away in 2008. Cal lived with his eldest son, Calvin Beck, Jr. and his family in Louisburg, Kansas for the last 11 years of his life. He will be most remembered for his unselfish, loving, caring heart of service to his family and friends. Cal was an inspiration to many, loved by many, and will be missed by many. Cal is survived by his daughter, Julie and her husband, Jeff Earl of Louisburg, KS, his son, Calvin E. Beck, Jr. and his wife, Janell of Louisburg, KS, and his son, Joseph D. Beck of Ft. Myers, FL; twelve grandchildren and his niece Sarah Beck Kirby of Overland Park, KS. The family suggests contributions to Love Mercy P.O. box 3921 Olathe, KS 66063, www.lovemercy.com. Hillcrest Covenant Church 8801 Nall Avenue. Prairie Village, KS 66207 Service: Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 6:30 PM Visitation: No Visitation