Seth Neal Beckman, Jr.

Seth "Neal" Beckman, Jr., age 64, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Paola, Kansas died December 13, 2019 at Research Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Neal was born September 10, 1955 at Harrisonville, Missouri, the son of Seth Neal, Sr., and Opal Lee (Wilburn) Beckman. In 1958, the family moved from Peculiar to Drexel. He attended school through his sophomore year at Drexel. He moved to Ohio to live with his relatives Charles and Sarah Beckman and their family. While attending high school in Ohio, he played on the basketball team. Charles and Sarah moved to West Memphis, Arkansas in the summer of 1973, and at that time Neal moved in with his sister Donna in Kansas City. He graduated from Shawnee Mission High School. In 1975, he moved back in with Charles and Sarah in West Memphis. Neal bought a 12 string guitar and "tried" to learn to play. He and Charlie went to a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert in Memphis. Neal talked about that concert the rest of his life. Neal always had a strong bond with the family of Charles and Sarah. Neal and Nancy (Fort) Manchester were married on December 26, 1993 at Paola. They made their home in Paola and later moved to Osawatomie. About ten years ago, they moved to Olathe to make their home. His working life began on the farm milking cows, not a job he particularly liked. He also had worked at a bowling alley and gas station in his younger years. In later life, he began working in the asphalt business. He worked in the cement business as well. His favorite job was being 101 Heavy Equipment Operator working for O'Donnell/Way Construction as he sat above all others on the paver for the last 15 years. His favorite pastime was riding his motorcycle. Neal also enjoyed football games, his family, good times, naps, and a few deviled eggs! Neal Beckman, also known as "Neal Bob" - the man, the myth, the legend will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Donna Manchester, and his sister Donna Haralson. He is survived by the love of his life Nancy (aka, "Hunny Bunny") of the home, the one constant of his life; his siblings Charlene Bowman (David) of Mission, Kansas, Jim Beckman (Elaine) of Drexel, MO, Jo Linn Virgin (Kenny) of Linn Valley, KS, Debbie Gunnels (Jay) of Drexel, MO, Rick Beckman of Paola, and Judy Hodge (Duane) of Spring Hill; in-laws Barbara Brandt (Darrell) of Paola, Carol Fields of Paola, Roger Fort of Paola, Mary Tarhini (Mohamad) of Paola, Dennis Fort (Peggy) of Osage City, KS; numerous nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends. Family and friends are encouarged to post their memories and condolences on Neal's Tribute Wall.