Wilbur Hatfield Beck

Wilbur Hatfield Beck, 94, of Memphis, Tennessee, died September 1. 2004 at 10:47 a.m. at Quince Nursing Home following a long illness. 
Mr. Beck was born in Du Quoin on October 28, 1909 and moved to Memphis in 1955.  As an acclaimed Martin enthusiast, reporters and visitors from around the mid-south area frequently visited him and his birds.  He was a long-time member and soloist of Temple Baptist Church and later joined Germantown Baptist Church.  He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and was the recipient of the Good Conduct, Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals.  
His wife, Kathryn Sneed, of Du Quoin, preceded him in death.
Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Ann Beck of Memphis; three grandsons, Richard Beck of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Scott and Mike Beck of Memphis; two sisters, Almeda Bates of Sun City, California and Virginia Harwell of Palm Springs, California and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation was at Memphis Funeral Home (Poplar) Friday, September 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Graveside funeral services were Saturday, September 4 at 10 a.m. at Memphis Memorial Gardens.
The family wishes any donations be to International Youth for Christ, World Outreach #RM5292, P.O. Box 4478 Englewood, CO  80155-4478.

