Kenneth Lee Beckett, age 83, formerly of Orange, Texas passed away surrounded by his loving family, May 23, 2018 at his home in Houston, Texas.

A memorial service to honor his life will be held Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel, Orange, Texas. The family will receive friends and family starting at 5pm and the service will begin at 6pm with Pastor Mike Umbenhauer officiating.

Ken was born in Charleston, West Virginia on March 19, 1935 and he was the youngest of three children. After graduating high school, Ken proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Strategic Air Command Based at McGee Tyson Air Base in Tennessee where he met and married Katy, his first love. Ken began working at Goodrich Gulf Chemical in Institute, West Virginia and was transferred to Texas in 1967 to being working at BF Goodrich Chemical. After 35 years of service he retired only to begin a new career, consulting for Beckett and Beckett Inc. and finally retired in 2009.

Ken was a licensed pilot, he loved to fly, and during his early years in Orange you could always find him at the Orange County Airport talking planes and flying. Ken owned a Beech Craft Bonanza which he used for business and pleasure. Flying was his passion. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, boating, and spending time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eleanor and James Beckett, brother, John Beckett and sister Mamie Beckett.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gale Nimitz Beckett, Mother of children, Katy Beckett, Children, Greg Beckett (Marcy), Cindy Beckett, Jennifer Hoffpauir (John) all of Orange, Shane Smith (Christy) of Burleson, TX, Becky Greer (Ty) of Orange, and Randi Carrabba (Johhny) of Houston, Texas. Grandchildren, Nicole Palmer (Todd), Derek Boudreaux (Ashley), Jason Hoffpauir, Theresa Beckett, Dylan Smith, Jacob Smith, Maccoy Greer, Mason Greer and Max Greer, all of Orange, Johnny Carrabba IV and Mia Carrabba of Houston, Texas and three great grandchildren, Allee, Natalee, and Gunner. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to give special thanks for Star of Texas Hospice in Houston and Ken’s wonderful caregivers, Alice, Rosalind, Lanorah, Gloria, and Larita. Also, a special thanks to Randi Carrabba.

Cremation was under the direction of Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home in Houston, Texas.

In lieu flowers, please make a contribution to the Houston Area Parkinson Society, 2700 SW Freeway, Suite 296, Houston, Texas 77098 or www.hapsonline.org in memory of Ken Beckett.