Lester G. Beck, Jr., 86, of Howard, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He was born on March 7, 1938, in Lock Haven, PA, to the late Lester G. Beck, Sr. and Grace (Stayner) Beck. On August 23, 1959, he married the love of his life, Constance E. “Connie” Peters, with whom he shared 65 years of love, respect, and devotion.
Lester grew up in Mill Hall and graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1957. He began his career in auto mechanics at Bob Forester’s Alignment in Lock Haven before continuing his work at Grant Miller’s. In 1977, Lester opened his own business, Beck’s Frame and Alignment in Howard, where he worked for many years until his retirement. Although he sold the business to Lewis Fetterolf, Lester remained a supportive presence, offering help whenever he could.
A committed member of the Howard United Methodist Church, Lester was always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. He was known as a “Mr. Fix-It,” capable of repairing just about anything, and took pride in helping others. As a founding member of the Howard Lions Club, he played a key role in building the Lions club parade wagon and the lion that is pulled behind it. He was also honored with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest award a Lions Club member can receive.
Lester’s hobbies included snowmobiling, horseback riding, camping, attending the Grange Fair, hunting, fishing, and spending time at the Schenck-Pletcher camp. He was also actively involved in Boy Scouts Troop 353 of Howard. Known for his infectious laughter and playful teasing, Lester brought joy and warmth wherever he went. His ability to create unique tools to solve problems and help others earned him the affectionate title of “Master Tinker.”
Above all, Lester was a man who embodied selflessness, always putting others before himself. His generosity and dedication to his community left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered as a pillar of support and kindness to all who knew him. Most of all, Lester cherished his family. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
Lester is survived by his beloved wife, Connie, at home; daughter, Nicole A. Fetterolf of Norwich, CT; son, Eric G. Beck and his wife, Molly, of Howard; and ex-son-in-law, Lewis J. Fetterolf, who was like a son to Lester and Connie. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Tyler Litz, Austin Beck, Zachary (Sierra) Fults, Hannah Beck, and Conner Beck, as well as two brothers, Jack Beck and his wife, Betty, of Bellefonte, and Dean Beck and his wife, Donna, of Mill Hall, and one sister, Linda Styers and her husband, Dick, of Lock Haven.
In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by an infant son and two young sons, Wesley G. and Brent W., as well as four sisters: Madalyn Sims, Ellen Probst, Grace Gira, and Pauline Shoemaker, and one brother, Richard “Dick” Beck.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Lester’s life during a visitation on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Howard United Methodist Church, 144 W. Main St., Howard, PA. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Craig Rose officiating. Burial will follow at Schenck’s Cemetery, Howard Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Howard United Methodist Church, PO Box 257, Howard, PA 16841, the Ethel Beaver Children’s Fund, 420 Holmes Ave., Bellefonte, PA 16823 or to the Howard Fire Co. PO Box 276, Howard, PA 16841.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. in Snow Shoe, PA. An online guest book is available for signing, and condolences can be posted at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.