Bobby Glen Beckham

Bobby Glen Beckham, age 78 of Mishawaka passed away following a brief illness on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at the Center for Hospice Care, Ernestine Raclin House. Bobby was born October 12, 1944, in Savannah, Tennessee to the late Rufus and Lucille (Tidwell) Beckham. As a young man, Bobby’s family moved to Mishawaka, and he graduated from Penn High School in 1963.  On May 14, 1982, he married Sheryl Masters-Gaugler. Bobby and Sheryl blended their families and celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Sheryl survives, along with their children Kevin Beckham of Mishawaka, Indiana, Tara (William) Goble of Highland, Indiana, Tony (Sherri) Gaugler of Elkhart, Jim (Brenda) Gaugler of Mottville, and Todd (Chad) Gaugler of South Bend. Also surviving are their grandchildren, Lindsay (Jason) Gour, Grace Denney, Cole (Nicole Murdoch) Gaugler, Austin (Yasmeen) Beckham, Kaley Beckham, Alec (Clare) Beckham, and Gavin Goble, and their great grandchildren Jacob Gour, Oliver Beckham, and Octavia “Veah” Beckham. Surviving as well are his siblings, Guy (Judy) Beckham, Marie (Ron) Davis, Janis (Bemis) Mikel, Danny (Tami) Beckham, and Wanda Prentkowski.  He was preceded in death by his son Troy Gaugler, his sister Judith Ann, his brother-in-law David Prentkowski and his grandson Chandler Gaugler.

Open visitation will be held from 11 am -1pm on Monday, January 16, 2023, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola, with funeral service following at 1pm. Bobby will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in a private ceremony at a later date.

Bobby was employed as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker for over 60 years. He owned Special Interiors on McKinley Avenue in Osceola for many years and later worked with Elkhart Hinge until retirement at the age of 67. Bobby became a role model for his children by instilling in them a strong work ethic and pride in his accomplishments.

In his spare time, Bobby enjoyed watching NASCAR, restoring cars, taking trips with Sheryl on their motorcycle, snowmobiling the trails of Southwest Michigan, playing cards, taking “guys only” fishing trips with his buddies and playing golf. The love for many of these hobbies was passed along to his children and grandchildren and he enjoyed sharing his time with each of them. He was also fond of his dog “Lemon” as he held a special place in his heart.

Most of all, he will be remembered as a hard-working man and a wonderful provider for his family. His positive attitude, easy going spirit, and fun-loving sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family and many friends he made throughout his lifetime.

In his memory, donations may be given to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bobby’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.