Charles Eugene Beck

One of a kind, loyal friend, witty, curious, FUNNY, are all words that have been used to describe Charlie Beck, who passed away peacefully on April 13, 2022. Born in Granby, MO on November 22, 1946, to James V. and Fredella (Herring) Beck. Charlie was also greeted by older brother J. Alan Beck.

Charlie grew up in the small Missouri town of Ritchey, surrounded by a large family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. There wasn’t anyone he wasn’t related to. Small town life wasn’t for Charlie though, and he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1969. Charlie would often tell stories of his time at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.

It was while he was in Puerto Rico that he was persuaded to write a letter to a girl that his sister-in-law knew. Charlie’s life was forever changed when he started exchanging letters with Debby Wilson. Writing everyday, Debby was instantly charmed by his way with words. She was no fool though, and easily detected his pension for malarkey. The two were made for each other, and soon married on May 7, 1971.

Also in 1971, Charlie was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, and enlisted in the United States Army. His first assignment was in Pirmasens, Germany. Debby joined him overseas, and they welcomed their son, James C. in 1972. After returning from Germany, Charlie was accepted into the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School (EOD) and graduated in 1975. The family’s next assignment would be Ft. McClellan, Alabama, where they welcomed daughter Jennifer to the world in 1975.

After serving as an EOD technician, Charlie went on to instruct at the EOD School in Indian Head, MD, teaching Improvised Explosive Devices, Improvised Nuclear Devices, and Air Ordnance. Charlie eventually returned to the field with orders to Vicenza, Italy, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and Ft. Carson, CO, earning EOD Supervisor, Senior, and Master Blaster badges along the way. Charlie retired from Fort Carson, 94th EOD as a Master Sergeant in 1991.

Following retirement from the Army, Charlie continued working for various EOD government contractors throughout the United States. Taking a break to return to college, Charlie earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art, with an emphasis in Sculpture in 2002. Charlie retired for the last time in 2013, enjoying a life of leisure while watching Maury Povich and the History Channel daily. He was also an active parishioner of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Security, CO, where he volunteered at the Adoration Chapel, and was a frequent lector.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Debby (Wilson) Beck, son James, daughter Jennifer, nephew Chesney Beck, and countless cousins, friends and comrades. Those left behind will remember his love of fishing, Jeeps, movies, bulldogs and his parrot Mickey that he had for 35 years. Charlie will also be remembered for his expansive vocabulary, quick wit, and unforgettable sense of humor.

The service for Charles Eugene Beck will be on Thursday, April 21 at 10:00 am at Dove-Witt Family Mortuary, with a reception to follow. Military honors and burial will take place at 1:00 pm at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado.