John Robert Beck, 80, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at Logan Acres in Bellefontaine.

He was born Oct. 2, 1921, in Bloomfield, Ky. to the late Jacob and Susan (Bacheldor) Beck and married Marjorie Inman Beck on May 23, 1942, in Findlay, Ohio. She passed away in 1987.

He graduated from Findlay High School in 1938, attended Findlay College and received a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1948. He came to Bellefontaine in 1948 and practiced law with Beck, Beck, Hawkins until 1998.

He was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Elks, Eagles, K of C, Ohio State Bar Association, Logan County Bar Association, first elected municipal court judge in Logan County 1954-'65, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col and retired National Guard Lt. Col., veteran of World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy 104 Infantry Division, Civil War historian, member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, was asked to speak on President Day in Logan and Champaign county and was an avid opera lover.

Survivors include sons, Command Sgt. Major John Jacob (Debi) Beck of the U.S. Army of San Antonio, Texas and Master Sgt. Daniel I. (Margaret) Beck of the U.S. Air Force of Dover, Del.; daughters, Susan M. (Robert Anderson) Beck of Jackson, Ann E. Beck of Bellefontaine, M. Fran (William Newport) Beck of Columbus, Ohio and Joan R. (Norbert Wagner) Beck of West Bend; a brother, William A. Beck of San Antonio; a sister, Elizabeth White of Savannah, Ga.; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were two brothers, Daniel H. and Jacob Beck, and a sister, Pauline Sterner.

Memorial services were held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Bellefontaine, on Friday, Dec. 21, with Rev. Henry F. Albietz officiating.

Memorial contributions to the Families of Survivors of 9-11 or the United Negro College Fund are appreciated.

The Eichholtz Funeral Home, Bellefontaine, served the family.