Gerald F. (Jerry) Beckwith

Gerald (Jerry) F. Beckwith, age 81, of Hastings, Michigan passed away Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. He was born in Hastings, the son of Mike and Edith (Daniels) Beckwith. Jerry graduated from Hastings High School in 1948. Growing up, Jerry's parents owned the East End Pool Hall, Cigar Store and Barber Shop. In the late 50s and 60s they ran the Hastings Speedway. During World War II, Jerry would shine shoes for 10 cents a shine. He honorably served in the US Air Force during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He was married to Marcelyn Strow and later Fran Lanoue. Returning from the war, Jerry worked for the EW Bliss Company as a salesman, then after going to Barber School, he joined his Dad, Mike in his barbershop in 1960. From 1974-1975, Jerry closed the shop and worked on the Alaskan Pipeline. Returning, he retired from the barbershop business in 1991. Friends and former clients, both young and old, will remember Jerry as an avid storyteller. Many a young man sat in Jerry's barber chair for his first haircut, or as Jerry would say "have his ears lowered". A devoted fan of the outdoors, he loved to sail, fish, hunt and golf until suffering a stroke in 2004. He also spent many hours honing his skills as a bowler at the Hastings Bowl. One of his greatest joys was being able to travel with his sons to Alaska to show them the many places he visited, while working on the Alaskan pipeline. Jerry was a member of the Hastings Alumni Association and the Elks Lodge. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Dick (Margaret) Beckwith and Ken (Elnora) Beckwith. Jerry is survived by his sons: Jay (Teresa) Beckwith and Dave (Cindy) Beckwith, both of Hastings, his wife Fran, granddaughter, Kristen Beckwith and fiance James Evans, sister Elaine (Bob) Brooks of Grand Rapids, step-children: Jeanna (George) Kozak, Allen (Natalie) Curtis, step-grandchildren: Jared, Alex, Cal and Lyla.

Visitation:
Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 6-8 pm
Girrbach Funeral Home

Funeral Service:
Wednesday, June 29, 2011,11:00 am
Girrbach Funeral Home

Interment:
Riverside Cemetery (at a later date)

Memorial Contributions:
Love, Inc.305 S. Michigan
Hastings, Michigan 49058

Pennock Hospice
1230 W. State St
Hastings, MI 49058