Obituary of John Lowell Beck

John Lowell Beck went home to be with the Lord on July 21, 2023. He was born in Oakland, California to Charles Everett Beck and Lois (Bain) Beck on July 24, 1951. He was the third of five children. The family moved to Seattle, Washington in 1955. By high school, he was interested in drama, cooking, and was an active leader in the youth ministries at Seattle Friends Memorial Church.

After graduating from Nathan Hale High School in 1969, he pursued higher education at George Fox College, earning a degree in Mathematics and Bible/Christian Education. A lifelong scholar, he went on to receive a Master’s of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) and a Doctor of Ministry from Christian Theological Seminary (Indianapolis, IN).

John’s life is a testament to the heart of service that God bestowed upon him. As a youth minister and pastor, he shared his faith and guidance with several churches across the country: Eugene Friends (Eugene, OR), First Friends (Pasadena, CA), Ventura Friends (Ventura, CA), Tigard Friends (Tigard, OR), Friends Memorial (Muncie, IN), Booker Friends (Booker, TX), and Homedale Friends (Homedale, ID). Later his service extended to being a hospice chaplain for Legacy Home Hospice in the Treasure Valley. John’s humble leadership and genuine tenderheartedness left a lasting impact on those he served, even if much of it occurred behind the scenes. His legacy of compassion will be cherished by all who were touched by his selfless dedication.

John met his beloved wife Martha Davenport of Caldwell, Idaho while at GFC, and they were married in 1971. Their family grew when they adopted Melissa, a beautiful little girl from South Korea in 1985. A cherished moment for him was the birth of his granddaughter, Linda Miller, in 2019. He loved to take Linda on walks, read her books, or make up games together. John was a loving, devoted, and supportive husband, father, and grandpa. His wife Martha passed away in September 2021 after a long battle with health issues.

John’s love for spending quality time with family, especially at the Beck family cabin he helped build, emphasized the significance he placed on shared experiences and family bonds. As a skilled cook and baker, he brought joy to many by sharing his delicious creations. His enthusiasm for gardening, travel, and reading demonstrated his intellectual curiosity. John’s mischievous sense of humor formed personalized connections with others, often bringing big smiles that could rival his own.

He is survived by his daughter Melissa (Darryl) Miller, grandchild Linda, brothers Dave Beck, Ken (Adele) Beck, and Andy (Julie) Beck. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lois Beck, sister Mary Beck, sister-in-law Darla Beck, and nieces, Heidi Beck and Audrey Beck. John’s integrity, sensitivity, strength, and wisdom will be fondly remembered.

Memorials can be made to Caldwell Friends Church, 521 East Elm Street, Caldwell, Idaho 83605.