Norman Welton Leslie Beck (Les) was born May 21, 1918 in Crook, CO. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Albuquerque, NM. His son, daughter and son-in-law were at his side. He was age 95 and ¾ (as he would say). He was preceded in death by infant daughter Cheryl M. Beck; first wife Mary V. McMichael Beck; second wife Bonnie Balcom Beck; daughter-in-law Nan McVicker Beck and step-grandson Aaron Cramer. He is survived by son Larry D. Beck; daughter Catherine M. Straughan and husband Ron L.; grandson Dennis L. Smith and wife Tami and their children Ben, Chastain and Angela of T. or C., NM; grandson Leslie J. Smith and wife Alicia and their children Kailey and Cameron of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter Juliann Brian and husband Sean and their son Hunter of Carlsbad, NM; grandson Alan L. Straughan and wife Marie of Rio Rancho, NM. From his second marriage to Bonnie, he is survived by stepson Terry Balcom and wife Judy of Lakeview, AR, step-grandson Jake Balcom of Kansas City, MO; step-granddaughter Sarah Balcom and her children, Rieley and Kellen of Lincoln, NE; step-daughter Judi Cramer and husband Eldon of Midlothian, VA; step-granddaughter Cristen Cramer of Midlothian, VA; stepson Mark Balcom and wife Mary of Kearney, NE; step-granddaughter Mandy Schafer and husband Jason and their son Finnegan of St. Louis, MO; step-grandson Nate Balcom and wife Stefanie and their children Isaiah, Eliott, Claire and Rachel of Grand Island, NE.

Norman said his name was so long because he had three sisters who each gave him one name. He was known as Les Beck for many years. He lived his early life in and around Farnam, Nebraska, the place he always thought of as our "hometown". He met and had an eye on Mary V. McMichael for a long time as they played guitars along with her dad and brothers at dances and gatherings around Nebraska. Les enlisted in the US Navy on December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was attacked and served for the duration of WWII. While on leave in 1945, he proposed to Mary, she accepted, and they were married on August 27, 1945. Thus started a long and beautiful marriage and family.

Norman (Les) was a decorated World War II Veteran, assigned to the submarine "USS Tarpon". During World War II he was on 9 War Patrols, was depth charged and in danger of being sunk multiple times, as they patrolled the Pacific Ocean, based out of Pearl Harbor. When asked if he was ever afraid, he would tell you he was, but relied on his faith in Jesus, and was always thankful for the job in those hard times. He was allowed to bring his guitar aboard the Tarpon and he frequently played it for his shipmates. He was very proud of his service to his country. He received his honorable discharge from the US Navy in June, 1947.

Les moved his family to Espanola, NM in 1956 and opened the NAPA Auto Parts store which he owned and managed until moving to Albuquerque in 1979. He also owned the NAPA store in Belen, NM with son-in-law Ron and daughter Cathy. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Espanola and served his Church for many years, on the board and through his love of music. Les and Mary moved back to Farnam in 1981 and they played for senior dances with Mary’s sister Millie Adkisson for many years around the Farnam area.

Les was widowed in 1992 and later on he met and married Bonnie Balcom on October 23, 1993 in Cozad, NE. This gave him another part of our family that he loved very much. Les and Bonnie spent much time in the Farnam and Cozad area forming and hosting and attending his beloved "Jam Sessions" for many years living out their love of music. Les also shared his music by playing at numerous rest homes in the area. Les lost Bonnie in 2002 when she suddenly passed away. He subsequently moved back to Albuquerque to live out his days with Cathy, Ron and the extended family.

Les played the guitar, six string banjo and his beloved harmonicas. He and Larry formed their family band and played for many church services, weddings, ice cream socials and family gatherings, right until the end of his life. His special sound will be sorely missed. One of his favorite times was playing with his nephew Rodger Beery and jamming with others. He was always ready for music. He spent his days feeding his wonderful mind by reading and sharing his wisdom with others. He was a good, honest, caring, true gentleman and showman with his wit and charm. He was a wonderful role model for all who knew him. His legacy to his family was knowledge, love of music, faith in God’s saving Grace and love and respect for each other. His was a life well lived.

Les lived out his faith in Jesus Christ every day with his music, card ministry and his behavior. He started his card ministry with small bits of wisdom, good thoughts and Bible verses he picked up from his readings and gave to people where ever he went. He worked on bringing people to Jesus’ saving Grace to his last day. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives and friends who were so kind and supportive during this time.

Two memorial services are planned; one in Albuquerque, NM and a second in Farnam, NE. The Albuquerque memorial service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Asbury United Methodist Church, 10,000 Candelaria Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112 with a reception to follow. The Farnam memorial service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, May 24, 2014 (Memorial Day weekend) in United Methodist Church, 303 Caribou St., Farnam, NE 69029 with a reception to follow. Interment of cremains in the Farnam cemetery will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution be made to your favorite church.

Daniels Family Funeral Services