Steve Beckman, traditional watercolorist
Steve Beckman, 67, of Hellettsville, TX, passed over March 29, 2016. He was born on July 5, 1948 in Vandalia, the son of Elmer and Maribelle (Leidner) Beckman.
Steve graduated from Vandalia High School, received a diploma and license in cosmetology, and also received a degree in art from Illinois State University. He taught cosmetology in Charleston, SC before returning to Vandalia to open his own salon. He was a watercolor painter who took numerous classes to learn more about his craft. He moved to Anchorage, AK in May 2006. He has been a resident of Hallettsville, TX since January 1, 2015.
He loved living in the country near Hallettsville where he planted a big vegetable garden and shared his bounty with family and friends. His flower gardens were filled with salvia, petunias, iris, and lilies. Steve’s wit and sense of fun were evident in whatever he did or wherever he went.
Steve was an active member of the South Central Texas Art League and was the January 2016 Spotlighted Artist at Hallet Oak Gallery. His watercolor paintings expressed his love of farm life, boats and birds, people, and porch and street scenes.
Steve was a member of Mossy Grove Methodist Church. He made homemade bread for the communion services. His cinnamon rolls and meatloaf always disappeared quickly at the potluck suppers.
Steve is survived by his mom Maribelle Beckman Alender and step father Raymond Alender, two brothers Charles (Nona) Beckman and Jeff (Mona) Beckman all of Vandalia, IL, step brothers Mike (Tina) Alender of Lovington, IL and Jeff Alender (Vicky) of Atlanta, GA, a daughter Stephanie (Jim) Gurr of Palm Harbor, FL, life partner Charles Strode of Hallettsville, TX, grandchildren Jillian Gurr, Haden Gurr, Addie Miller, and Chase Miller, great-grandchildren Averie Miller and Easton Wright, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dad Elmer Beckman and daughter Stacie Miller.
Services are set for April 12, 2016 with visitation from 9:00-11:00am at Northside Christian Church in Vandalia, IL followed by a Graveside Service and Burial at 11:30am at Holy Cross Cemetery, rural Vandalia, IL.
Memorials may be made to Mossy Grove Methodist Church, Hallettsville, TX, Northside Christian Church, Vandalia, or Holy Cross Lutheran Church Cemetery, Vandalia.
Arrangements by Hohlt & File Funeral Home, Vandalia.
“To live in hearts we leave behind / is not to die.” Thomas Campbell, Hollwed Ground, 1825.
“To the poet, to the philosopher, to the saint, all things are friendly and sacred, all events profitable, all days holy, all men devine.” Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series, 1841.
