John David Beck's Obituary
BECK, JOHN DAVID, Age 75 of Garland, TX, faithful husband, devoted father & papa, brother, uncle and treasured friend, passed away January 12, 2019 as his loving family surrounded him throughout his final hours. He was born August 16, 1943 in Salina, KS.John was married to the love of his life and best friend, Dona Bennett for 46 beautiful years. He was the gentle patriarch of his family, their humble hero and the absolute best papa a grandchild could ever hope for. John loved deep and wide, and his fervent faith kept him grounded as he led his family. John served in the United States Army and received honorable discharge when it was discovered he had Type 1 diabetes at the young age of 26. He worked at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) as a Systems Engineer for 29 years until retiring in 2002. After decades of managing his diabetes, John’s kidneys began to fail, and he was placed on dialysis. He received the best gift – the gift of life – from his incredible son-in-law, Paul Sharp and celebrated his fifteen-year transplant anniversary this past December. John never took a day of life for granted and he certainly lived his one life well. After his transplant, he built a playhouse for his grandchildren. John was the ultimate handyman and woodworking was his greatest hobby. All four of his precious grandchildren who were the true pride and joy of his life have enjoyed the playhouse that Papa built. John was a mentor to transplant recipients and their families and volunteered at numerous transplant fundraisers and golf tournaments. He was committed to giving back to the organizations that gave him new life through his own kidney transplant.John was preceded in death by his father, N.N. Beck, and his mother, Evelyn Beck. He is survived by his loving wife, Dona Beck; daughter, Shannon Sharp and husband Paul of Rockwall, TX; son, Shawn Beck and wife Jennifer of Frisco, TX; brother, Don Beck and wife Rita of Wichita, KS; brother, Bill Beck of Wichita, KS; sister, Kathy Moellenberndt of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Morgan and Madison Sharp, Elizabeth and Carter Beck; and nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Restland Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, January 17, 2019 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas at 10:00 a.m. with a Rosary preceding the mass beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation – John Beck or American Diabetes Association – Memorial Giving
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