In loving memory of

Larry Lee Beckman
August 11, 1939 - September 9, 2017

Larry Lee Beckman, 78, of West Burlington, Iowa died Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Great River Medical Center.
Born August 11, 1939 in Burlington, Iowa, he was the son of Max and Ruth Beckman. He was an Iowa farm kid who started life in Prairie Grove and attended the Prairie Grove Country School until the family moved to the farm east of Danville. He then attended the Danville Community School and graduated in 1957. He served in the Iowa National Guard completing the training program in 1958. He first drove a tractor at age 10 and the farm nurtured his love of animals including his beloved horses.
He married Shirley Thommen in 1960 and they later divorced. He is survived by three children: Tim Beckman, Vancouver, Washington; Danny Beckman, Tacoma, Washington; and Diane (Scott) Smith of Jacksonville, Florida. He is also survived by brothers, Philip (Ann) Beckman, Hampton, Illinois; Bill (Kitty) Beckman of Middletown, Iowa; a sister, Nancy Guffey, Danville, Iowa; one grandson, Kalen Snell of Ft. Collins, Colorado; one granddaughter, Amy Beckman of Spokane, Washington, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by close friends Ruth Garrett and Matt Reynolds.
Larry was best known as the owner and operator of Beckman's Emergency Towing for the past 47 years. He started his own business at the Gulf Service Station on Summer Street and then later purchased the West Burlington Gulf Station. He began a first of its kind convenience store/gas station in 1970. He later purchased the 34 Truck Stop. Larry enjoyed his patrons and employees through these business endeavors and the towing business. He enjoyed 34 Raceways and was happy to provide support to all the drivers, crews and owners affiliated with racing.
His parents preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 13th, at Lunning Chapel.
The funeral service for Larry will be 2 p.m. Thursday, September 14th, at Lunning Chapel with burial to follow in Prairie Grove Cemetery, rural West Burlington.
A memorial will be established by the family.

Tributes

Laura Beckman Powell wrote on Sep 13, 2017:

"I remember my Uncle Larry as a man who always smiled whenever he saw me. I liked it whenever he laughed because it was like his whole body laughed...sometimes to the point of tears in his eyes. His laughter was at the antics of us children whenever we got together at a family dinner and someone told a funny story. I also remember my surprise in the fall of 1986, when I ran into him at the Food 4 Less Grocery store in Macomb, IL. I was a junior in college at Western Illinois University, and he was living there in Macomb. I saw him a couple of times in and around Macomb those couple of years that I lived there, and it was kind of nice bumping into him randomly like that. He will be missed. With love, Laura Beckman Powell, PO Box 874 Apache, OK 73006"

Mike Klein wrote on Sep 13, 2017:

"Truly a wonderful man. Larry was liked by many. He always had time for everyone. RIP my friend."

L. Luebbers wrote on Sep 12, 2017:

"Truly a nice guy...I'm so sorry for your loss."

Becky Nelson wrote on Sep 12, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss, I have known Larry for years he was a wonderful person. Becky Nelson"

Amanda Jordan wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"God Bless ~Mandy Jordan & family~"

Cindy and Aj Kenney wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"Rip Larry,love seeing you at Hy Vee for our lunches,you will be miss.?Cindy and Aj Kenney"

Mike and Marilyn Box wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"Best tow truck driver ever!! Thank you for always being there for everyone!! Prayers to the family"

Lydia Crawley wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"I always enjoyed seeing Larry when I was a kid. We would run into him at the truck stop or at auctions. He always took time to say hi to my parents. He was truly one of the rare ones."

Kathy Cameron wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"I always enjoyed seeing Larry in HyVee, where he ate many of his meals. He always had a kind word. Sorry for your loss. Kathy Cameron"

Nancy Sandbothe wrote on Sep 11, 2017:

"My thoughts and prayers to all! An neighbor long ago. Nancy Christy Sandbothe."