Dr. Joseph “Joe” George Beck, age 86, passed away Monday, August 2, 2021, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was born on Tuesday, February 19, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio and married Sara Louise Ramser on Saturday, November 17, 1962 (also in Youngstown).
He is survived by his wife Sara, brother-in-law Charles E. Ramser (Lori Kay), nieces and nephews Joan Anderson (Thomas), Tim Smith, Cheryl Adams, Della Collins (Tim), James Walter Beck Jr. (Kimberly), John Beck (Steven Johnson), Jennifer Dudley (Robert), Jodi Beck and Charles Douglas Ramser (Kierra). He was preceded in death by his sister Elizabeth Adams (Harry) and brother James Walter Beck Sr.
A graduate of Westminster Choir College, he also earned a Master of Arts degree in voice and conducting from Kent State University and a Doctor of Education degree from St. Louis University. Joseph taught choral and vocal music at Kent State University, Mount Union College, Webster University, St. Louis University, and Maryville University.
Joseph was president of JGB Productions, a film and video production company. He was a singer, conductor, clinician, and performed extensively in St. Louis. He served as musical director of the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, guest conductor for the St. Louis Chamber Chorus and Midwest Lyric Opera, founded the Madrigal Singers of St. Louis and authored two books on John Finley Williamson, founder of the Westminster Choir.
Joseph loved his wife, his family, many friends and students. Music, theater, entertaining and cooking brought him great pleasure.
A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 3pm, at Ladue Chapel, 9450 Clayton Road, Saint Louis MO 63124. A reception will follow immediately after at a private residence. Directions will be made available at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Westminster Foundation of Princeton New Jersey, Inc., 174 Nassau Street #124, Princeton, New Jersey 08542 or use the link below to contribute online.
Please leave a fond, favorite memory of Joe at the "Add a Memory" link below.
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