Gerald Lee Beck, 86, of Lafayette passed away at 11:40pm, Friday, April 29th, 2016 while visiting in Florida.

He was born September 15th, 1929 in Montgomery County to the late Paul E. and Bessie Hyatt Beck. Gerald graduated from Waynetown High School in 1947.

He met the love of his life, Naomi Ann Jones Beck in high school and they married in 1949. Naomi proceeded him in death January 31st, 2016.

Gerald served 2 years in the Air Force from 1948-1950.

Gerald started his farming career with his father-in law, Robert C. Jones, in Montgomery County, later moving to Tippecanoe County where he continued to farm for many years.

In 1967 he became a Tippecanoe County Sheriff Deputy retiring in 1992. After retiring from the sheriff department he worked for the Tippecanoe County Highway Department and permanently retired in 2014.

He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Police (Tippecanoe County). He also belonged to the American Legion (Post 11), Lafayette Moose Lodge and the Tippecanoe County Shrine Club. He was Mason (Shawnee Lodge) and a member of the Scottish Rite.

He also enjoyed going on annual vacations to Hollywood, FL with Naomi since 1995.

Gerald will always be remembered for all his silly jokes and loving to have fun.

He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his 3 children: Gary Beck (Sue) – Naples, FL, Judy Beck-French- Lafayette, Jerri Birch (Chris) – Clewiston, FL .Also surviving are 5 grandchildren

Jennifer Cummings, Jamie French, Sean Beck, Brittany Oliver, Kyle Beck, there are also 5 great granddaughters and 1 great great grandson

Visitation will be from 5-8pm Thursday, May 5th, 2016 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel with the funeral service at 10am Friday, May 6th, 2016 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Larry Johnson. Burial will be at Waynetown Masonic Cemetery.