Ralph Franklin Beckett

Ralph F. Beckett, of Lee’s Summit, MO., passed away on January 10, 2022, at the age of 78. Ralph was born to Frank and Edna (Hesse) Beckett in Smithville, MO. on August 1, 1943. He graduated from East High School in Kansas City in 1961. On November 22, 1964, he married Judith Anne Davis. They were married for nearly 50 years before her passing in 2013. He started working for Mobil Oil Credit Corporation in 1961, working as an incoming mail room clerk. While working at Mobil he attended night school through UMKC. Nearly 42 years later he retired from Mobil after reaching the position of Manager at the Vice President level.
Ralph enjoyed music, dancing, traveling, crunching numbers and building excel spreadsheets, and spending time with family and friends. In retirement he volunteered to do tax preparation through AARP and for family and friends. He assisted the Fire Department of Independence, MO. in implementing an emergency phone notification system and was part of the Community Emergency Response Team. Most recently, he provided bookkeeping services for the Moose Lodge #10, Sugar Creek.
He was fortunate enough to meet Jerry Buse in 2015, sharing many road trips with her and attending dances at the American Legion Tirey J Ford Post 21 and Moose Lodge #10, Sugar Creek nearly every Friday and Saturday night.
Ralph was a tall man who people might have found intimidating upon first meeting him. But his infectious smile and familiar manner made him quick friends with just about everyone he ever met. He loved dancing with all the widowed ladies at the American Legion and took care to ensure their safety while there.
Ralph is survived by his children Todd (Donita) Beckett and Barbara (Jim) Dodson; grandchildren Jacob (Roxy) Beckett, Jordan (Kyle) VanNess, Katie (Dustin) Lampson, and James (Kate) Dodson; great grandchildren Gabriella and Gracelyn Lampson, and Kalena and James Joseph Dodson; Nieces Christy Braley and Rama Scott; great-nephew Joel Braley, and great-nieces Ashley and Harper Scott; his girl-friend Jerry Buse, and many other extended family members. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy, and his only sister, Carol Braley.
There will be no traditional funeral service at this time. Ralph requested that his body be donated for medical research. A Celebration of Life service will be scheduled at a later date.
Any memorial contributions or online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com