Michael W. Beckham, 38 years, of Burlington, NJ, formerly of Temperance, MI lost his battle with cancer on February 12, 2015. He was born in Toledo Ohio on October 12, 1976 to Michael J. Beckham and Alice F. (Bowman) Beckham. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1995 and enlisted in the Navy on JulyContinue Reading
Michael W. Beckham, 38 years, of Burlington, NJ, formerly of Temperance, MI lost his battle with cancer on February 12, 2015. He was born in Toledo Ohio on October 12, 1976 to Michael J. Beckham and Alice F. (Bowman) Beckham. He graduated from Bedford High School in 1995 and enlisted in the Navy on July 18, 1996. He attended Aviation Electronics Technician “A” School in Billington, TN and Intermediate Level Calibration School in Biloxi, MS. In 2012, he completed his Associates Degree in Electronics Technology from Coastline Community College.
was stationed at various posts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and also served in Djibouti Africa where he volunteered to deploy as an Individual Augmentee to the Horn of Africa. Throughout his career, he served in multiple capacities, specifically, Calibration Laboratory Leading Petty Officer, Training Leading Petty Officer, Command Fitness Leader, Avionics Leading Petty Officer, Quality Assurance Leading Petty Officer and Quality Assurance Supervisor. Most recently Mike was an Aviation Electronics Technician First Class having attained the rank of Petty Officer First Class.
Petty Officer Beckham’s awards include the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle “E”, Good Conduct Medal (6 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Volunteer Service Medal (2 awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Marksman M16/M4 Rifle, and various Letters of Commendation, Unit, and Campaign awards.
He is survived by his parents, step mother; Debra Beckham, fiancé; Marie Gillespie, grandmother; Lois Bowman, brother; Matthew Beckham, sisters; Tammi (Paul) Van Aken, Karen (Brian) Davis and Kelly (Cliffe) Bodden, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Willmer Bowman, Sally (Toby) Herringshaw and William (Becky) Beckham.
Mike was a passionate fan of Michigan football, the Red Wings and the Detroit Lions. He was proud of his 19 years of service in the United States Navy and was looking forward to a military retirement. He enjoyed attending concerts, games, festivals and comedy shows. During his off time, he volunteered in his community at the Veterans Group-Philadelphia and the Food Bank of South Jersey and consequently was recognized with the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
The preceding words are but a glimpse of some facts about Mike’s life. There are no words however, to portray his captivating smile, his sense of humor, his kind heart and his passion for life that his family, many friends and shipmates will forever miss.
Visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2015 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. in Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Avenue Temperance, MI. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church where he will lie in state after 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 13, 2015 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at JB MDL McGuire Chapel, 2503 East Arnold Ave. JB MDL, New Jersey, 08641.
Online condolences may be shared at www.bedfordfuneralchapel.com .
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