He was born a twin to Carl and Ella in the village of Carson City, Michigan on the 5th day of January in the year 1950. Educated in St. Mary’s High School but got his real education on the village streets under the caring eye of his dutiful and caring parents. His mother, a staunch Irish Catholic, was a dedicated and committed housewife while his father Carl brought home the bacon literally as he became a butcher by trade. In 1969, Terry and his twin brother jointly joined the United States Air Force and he was immediately assigned as a Fire Protection Specialist while his brother Jerry was assigned duties as a Fuel System Specialist. Terry spent his entire Air Force career as a fire fighter and retired as a MSgt (E-7) in 1993 with 24 years service to his country. He was stationed at Chanute, Shepard, Fairchild Air Force Base’s while spending time in England, Germany, and Thailand. Once retired from the Military, he continued his career as a Fire Inspector for the Plano Fire Department for 19 years.
Forty-One years ago this year, he met Queta Franklin in an aircraft training exercise at Chanute Air Force Base. After receiving the “wink and nod” from his future brother-in-laws Carl Watson and Floyd Franklin they were soon married in 1972. Queta provided him with a family and five children; Tina, Michael, Bonnie, Jon, and Joshua, and five grandchildren; David, Ashley, Madison, Trevor, and Justin.
Terry was a member of the Lake Texoma VFW Post 7873. He reflected the best in America’s character. He helped in many ways with the post. He had the lettering for the post building and the fallen soldier display made. He also was instrumental in naming of Freedom Hall and worked to have all the signs made and dedicated. We’ll always remember the time when he started his karaoke career at the post. He always brought his brother-in-law Carl along with him to have someone to blame all the mistakes on during his performance, but we know he was always a “10”.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Ella Beck from Carson City. Terry’s memories will be cherished by his wife Queta Beck in Murphy, TX; his daughter and son-in-law Tina &Tim Collister in Las Lunas, NM ; his son Michael Beck in Nevada, TX; his daughter Bonnie Beck in Waxachie, TX; his son and daughter-in-law Jon & Tammy Beck in San Saba, TX; and his son Josh Beck in Murphy, TX. He also leaves behind five grandchildren David, Ashley, Madison, Trevor, and Justin. Terry will be missed by his Brother and sister-in-law Carl & Ann Watson in Pottsboro, TX; twin brother and sister-in-law Jerry & Lynn Beck in Sheraton MI; and brother and sister-in-law Jim and Lily Beck in Carson City, MI. Many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends will also miss Terry.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, January 4, 2013, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas.