Elvin H. Beck, age 87 of Columbus, KS passed away Sunday July 2, 2006 after an illness.

Elvin was born September 5, 1918 at New Albany, KS, the son of Howard and Fannie (Mitchell) Beck.

He married Helen Ambler on April 2, 1940. She survives of the home.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner on the U.S.S. Kadashan Bay 1943-1945 in Pacific Conference (Conflict) Passage. He worked for the Frisco Railroad from 1939 till 1979 as a trackman, foreman, and finally as a welder. He worked Frisco on both western and eastern divisions. Lived at Fall River, KS before coming to reside in Columbus, KS in 1963. Following retirement, the couple traveled to LaFeria, TX, where they spent the winters for 10 years with friends. Elvin and Helen were members of the Puddle Jumpers Camping Club and spent many an enjoyable campout with friends.

Member of the Sunchasers and the Masonic Prudence Lodge #163 of Fall River, KS, obtaining 50 yr pin and the Order of the Eastern Star and has received his 50 yr pin as well, and the First Christian Church Columbus, KS.

Survivors include his wife of the home, one daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ken Henning of Winfield, KS and two grandsons and their spouses: Chad (Cheri) Henning and Shawn (Jessica) Henning, and four great-granddaughters: Casey, Taryn, Tysha, and Olivia.

Preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mildred and Lois, and one brother Don.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday July 5, 2006 at the Simpson Funeral Home in Columbus, KS with the Reverend Dan Haggard officiating. Burial will be at 3p.m. in the New Albany Weakly Cemetery, New Albany, KS. The family suggest memorial contributions to the St. Johns Hospice or the First Christian Church of Columbus and may be sent or left at Simpson Funeral Home 323 S. Kansas Ave. Columbus, KS.