Born in Scooba, Mississippi in 1932, William Beck rode a Texas oil rig into Poplar, Montana at the age of 20 and met his bride-to-be that very night at the Fort Theatre. He departed with angels on August 27, 2014 with Pat at his side. Pat and Bill were married for 60 years.
Touring in Europe while Bill was serving as military policeman in the US Army, Bill and Pat were stationed in Germany. After his return to the States he worked days for Anderson’s Appliance, and nights for the Poplar City Police. He opened Beck’s Electric in 1965 and sold appliances, boats, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. His father-in-law, Roy Richards, operated the gun shop in the front of Bill’s store. He later sold the electrical part of the business, keeping the gun shop and running a farm/ranch north of Poplar and in the river bottom. He was a member of the Poplar Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. Bill was elected mayor of the City of Poplar and served from 1989 to 1994. He loved his job, and regretted that he had to resign when he moved out of the city limits.
Pat and Bill have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Bill leaves behind many beloved family members and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Services are planned for Tuesday, September 2 at the First Presbyterian Church in Poplar, where Bill served as an active member and officer. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery. Memorials can be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, the Poplar Cemetery fund, the Poplar Hospital, or the charity of your choice. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.