Russell C. Beck

Russell C. Beck, 85, passed away peacefully from natural causes Sunday, January 31, 2021. Russ was the beloved husband of Joan; they were long-time residents of Avon Lake. In August 2020, Russ, Joan and son, Rusty moved cross-country from Avon Lake to Sublimity, Oregon. Russell was born in Avon Lake August 2, 1935 to the late Carl and Viola (nee Jackson) Beck. Russ was an Avon Lake High School graduate (1954). He then earned B.S./M.S. degrees in botany at Ohio University and continued with advanced coursework at University of Illinois. Early in his teaching career, Russ taught high school biology at Larkin High School (Elgin, Illinois). Subsequently, he was hired as a Horticulture/Biology Teacher at Lakewood High School. In addition to full-time teaching, Russ taught evening university biology courses at The Ohio State University- Lakewood branch and at Cleveland State University. Upon his retirement in 1994, Russ enjoyed time with family, travel and farming. Russ is cherished as a family man; a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a faithful member of the Avon Lake Presbyterian Church. Often, Russ shared his knowledge, interest and enthusiasm of the outdoors: farming, trees (identifying, grafting, cultivating), hunting, family vacations and sports. Russ was honored to be inducted to the Avon Lake Sports Hall-of-Fame. He thoroughly enjoyed family reunions and ALHS 1954 class reunions. Russ served on the Avon Lake Tree Commission. Russ will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan (nee Storts) Beck; daughter, Cynthia McMahan (Grady); sons, Russell, Jr., Roger (Marcia) and Douglas (Mimmi); loving grandchildren, Justin (Julia), Kirk (Caitlin), Dirk (Shreeya), Wolfgang (Tazim), Tova, Emma, Bronte and Kai; great-grandchildren, Forest and Kenton. Russell, the youngest of his siblings, was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Viola Beck; sisters, Lillie Terry, Elaine Valentin, Arlene Beck and Elsie Stegman and brother, Carl Beck, Jr. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Avon. Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, OH 44012 or Avon Lake Tree Commission, checks made out to Friends of the Park Tree Program- Russ Beck and to the address and attention of Avon Lake City Hall, c/o Avon Lake Tree Commission- Russ Beck, 150 Avon-Belden Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44012. www.buschcares.com, 440-933-3202