Ross Beckman

Ross Beckman, 90, joined his Lord in Heaven on April 29, 2026 at 2:27 AM.  He was born April 1, 1936 in Highland, IL.  His parents were Vernon Otto Bartels & Arlene Beckman, both of New Douglas, IL.  He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Emma (Sievers) & George Beckman of New Douglas.

Ross attended New Douglas Elementary School in New Douglas, IL, & Highland High School in Highland, IL.

His first job was at Kline's Grocery Store in New Douglas.  He also was employed at McDonnell Douglas as a sheet metal worker.  He worked for Artophone Corporation & also distributed Armstrong Flooring, worked in Sales & traveled Illinois.  He purchased Sherman's Department Store on East Main, Staunton, IL, renamed it Beckman's Department Store.  He operated the store for 30 years before retiring.  He then bought property for a new business in Equine Ranch.

Ross was married to Lela Conroy of Staunton.  They had one daughter, Wendy Arlene.  Lela passed away after a long illness with Huntington's Corea.

Ross was married to Frances Lee Simpson of Staunton for 27 years.  She passed away from illness in 2016.

He then married Sheila Fay Foster of Carlinville, IL on May 27, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL.  

Ross was a member of the Staunton Jaycees for 6 years & was also the Chaplain for the State Jaycees.  The local chapter gave him a lifelong membership.

Ross served one term on the Staunton City Council as a Ward #4 Alderman, & also was on the Dorchester Township Board.  He was a long-time Elder for the Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, IL.

He was an avid horseman.  His horse, "Atomico" was not only his show horse, but his loving pet.  

Ross became a member of The Assembly Church in Staunton, IL & was a very active & devoted servant.  He loved his "church family".

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at The Assembly Church, 1335 S. Hackman Street, in Staunton, IL  62088., with Pastor Arthur Braden officiating.

He is survived by his wife -  Sheila (Foster) Beckman;  son-in-law -  John Walker;  three brothers-in-law -  James E. Foster Jr.,  Gary Foster,  &  Mike Foster;  & two sisters-in-law -  Deborah (Foster) Wilson  &  Amy Foster, all originally from Carlinville, IL.  Besides his wives & parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter -  Wendy Arlene.

Ross will be greatly missed, but is in the arms of his Lord Jesus.

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