Mel H. Beckstead

Mel Beckstead Richfield, Utah - Melvin Heber Beckstead, age 76, of Richfield, died December 1, 2003 in Quartzsite, Arizona. He was born October 17, 1927 in Delta, Utah, a son of Henry Alton and Cecil Twitchell Beckstead. He married Belva Baker. They were later divorced. He married LaPreal Black. They were later divorced. He married Maurine (Maggie) Golliher Pearson, March 17, 1973. I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others failed to go, and I did what others failed to do. I asked for nothing from those who gave nothing. I reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness, should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the stinging cold fear, and enjoyed the sweet taste of moments of love. I have cried, pained and hoped - but most of all, I have lived times others would say are the best forgotten. From the beginning, I was always proud of what I was.....a member of the United States Coast Guard (during World War II), the Utah National Guard, Civil Air Patrol, and the Utah Highway Patrol (for 33 years). I was a son, a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a grandfather and a great-grandfather. Do not mourn for me. I lived a full life. My legacy is that you will all do the same. My belief is that we shall meet again. Mel is survived by his wife, Maggie. Together they have a combined family of eleven children, 40 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Their children are: Henry and Becky Beckstead of Carlin, NV; Scott and Jean Beckstead of Salina; Meri Bonavita of Collegville, PA; Andrea Dangerfield of Moncks Corner, SC; Gerri and Kit Enniss of Gwinn, MI; Joyce Epperson of Salt Lake City; Sue and Tony LaChapelle of Malaga, WA; Kevin and Vicky Pearson of West Valley City; Mela Nee and Gene Robertson of Richfield; Mary and Pete Swan of Fayette; Valerie and Allan Wade of Cedar City. He is also survived by a brother and two sisters: Jesse and Burdine Beckstead, Louise Holt, Adeline and Krit Petty, all of Salt Lake City. Two brothers, Ned LeRoy and Rex Beckstead, a sister, Irene Shafter, three grandsons, Clint Beckstead, Adam Bonavita and Ian Bonavita will be awaiting Mel at the beginning of his new journey. Dear Dad, Thanks for always taking the time to notice what was happening in our lives - and for caring how we feel about it. Thanks for helping us see what we may achieve, then rooting for us to get out there and go for it. Thanks for your advice ( and your advice and your advice), your prayers and your jokes - and for knowing when we could use some of each. And most of all, thanks for giving us so much to live up to, just by being who you are. For the happiness you’ve brought, for the lessons you’ve taught, for the way you’ve always cared, for the good times we have shared...for your wisdom and good advice, your willingness to sacrifice...more gratitude than words can say comes with this grief we are all feeling today. We miss you so very much. All our love forever... From you family. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 5, 2003 at 12 Noon in the Richfield 7th LDS Ward Chapel, located at 159 North 400 West in Richfield. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Richfield, Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. and at the ward chapel, Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Graveside service and burial with military honors accorded by the Utah Highway Patrol Honor Guard will be Saturday, December 6, 2003 at 1:00 P.M. in the South Jordan Memorial Park, 10630 South 1055 West in South Jordan, Utah, under the direction of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield, Salina and Gunnison, Utah. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Sevier County EMT’s.