Alton D. Beck

Alton D. Beck, 72, of Meadville, died Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 31, 1938 in Meadville, a son of Walter and Audrey Emig Beck.  He married Roberta M. Fry August 22, 1963 and she survives.

Alton attended Meadville Public Schools and at the age of 16 he worked on a farm in Mercer County.  For the next several years he worked different jobs including: the gas company in Oil City, Earl Sager Construction, Kelso's Auto Repair Garage, Monarch Welding and Radiator Repair Shop, and Yeager's Cement Block Plant, all of Meadville.  In 1965 and 1966, he managed the body shop at Jim Taylor Subaru, Meadville and in 1967 he worked in the body shop of Weber-Harris Ford, Meadville where he painted over 400 cars in one year.  In 1968, he opened and operated his own body shop.  In 1969, in conjunction with his body shop, he began work at C.P. Flaugh Company, Meadville.  He worked there until 1972 when he expanded his auto body shop into a full service auto repair shop, including PA state inspections, and later changed the name to Beck's Auto Service.  He operated his garage right up until his passing where his son Sean has worked for several years and will continue to operate the auto repair and towing business.  Alton was known in his business for being a very generous and giving person to anyone in need.

His hobbies include working on autos, outside to beautify his landscaping around his home, and taking care of his rental properties.  He loved the outdoors and gardening but most of all he loved being with his family.

Survivors, in addition to his loving wife Roberta of 47 years, include two daughters, Ina Mailliard and her husband Mike of Cochranton and Christina Sanborn and her husband Les of Union City; a son, Sean Beck and his wife Melissa of Meadville; nine grandchildren, Megan and Austin Mailliard, Lisa, Stephanie, and Samantha Sanborn, and Brittany, Joann, Shelby, and John Beck; two brothers, Forrest Beck and his wife Gladys of Meadville and Donald Beck of Meadville; a sister, Helene McCracken and her husband Gary of Hadley; a brother-in-law, Edward S. Fry and his wife Debbie of College Station, TX; a sister-in-law, Lois Ann Fry of Lake Orion, MI; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Beck.

Calling hours will be Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut Street, Meadville.

The funeral service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Russell D. Hines, Pastor of St. Marks United Church of Christ, officiating.

Interment will be in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Roberta Beck, c/o Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Share your memories and condolences at www.waidfuneralhome.net.