Donald J. Beckwith

Donald J. Beckwith, age 90 of Midland, died Monday January 30, 2012 at the Toni & Trish House in Auburn. The son of the late Walter J and Helen G (Callahan) Beckwith was born in Midland, Michigan on April 8, 1921. He was a proud member of the Sinclair Clan, a first family of Midland. He graduated in June 1939 from Midland Sr. High School. After serving the Army in the Pacific during WWII, he obtained a BSEE from Michigan State University in June of 1948. He was a distinguished Military Science Graduate. He was also a Registered Professional ChemE in Michigan, Indiana and the Netherlands. He met his wife Alice (Gebhardt) as her patient in Tripler General Military Hospital, Honolulu, after surviving a crash into the Pacific. Don retired from Dow Chemical after 31 years of service, he opened the Management Recruiters office in Saginaw, was a host of "Fireside Chats" for the Midland Historical Society, a contributor to the Midland Daily News and a volunteer program director for Delta's WDCQ-TV.

Surviving is his wife of 65 years Alice "Niki" Beckwith whom he married on September 14, 1946; his four children, Cynthia H (Ross) Thompson, Patrick Thomas (deceased) (Candis), Donald J(Karen) and Robert M (Linda); 12 Grand children and 12 great grand children; numerous cousins and dear extended family; Bill & Bonnie Kennett, Max & Martha Bottomley, Pete & Gloria Lehman, Mike & Grace Merrill, Bob & Marge Messler, Helen Ward, Caroline Gunklar and Janet Lang.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 12 noon Thursday February 2, 2012 at St. Brigids of Kildare Catholic Church. Fr. Patrick O'Connor will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Funeral Honors and Midland Area Veterans. Per the wishes of Donald his body will be donated to Michigan State University. Family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials maybe offered to Toni & Trish House PO Box 125 Auburn, Michigan 48611.