George M. Beckett, Jr.

George M. Beckett, Jr. passed away Monday, April 7, 2014 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Toledo. George was born in Toledo on May 17, 1923 to George and Catherine Beckett. He was a veteran of WWII who was involved in the Normandy invasion and the march toward Paris. George was proud to have served his country but despised the idea of war. His father, George Beckett, Sr., served in WWI and both father and son served this country with no regret. George was a cheerleader for DeVilbiss High School in the late 1930s and was instrumental in the recruitment of female cheerleaders during a time when only men were asked although being in this position got him plenty of dates. After high school, George attended the University of Toledo where he once again became a cheerleader. A few years ago it was thought that he was the oldest living University of Toledo Cheerleader. The Rockets were a passion of Georges and his kids remember running the sidelines during games with him. He didnt like watching the games from a seat because he liked being where the action was. Unfortunately, his Rocket career was cut short because of WWII. George met Yolanda Rose Sobczak after the war and they married and raised 5 children together. George was preceded in death by his wife Yolanda in 1995; son Dennis in 1994; and son Gary in 2012. He is survived by sons, Robert Sr. Patricia and Donald Kathleen; daughter, Kathy Bruce Armstrong; grandchildren, Robert Beckett, Heather, Jeremy & Bryan Armstrong, Lindsey Beckett, Josh Beckett; and 5 great-grandchildren. George was once described by a friend as being a piece of work and his family could not agree more. After all, our dad was sure one of a kind. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to dads neighbors who helped care for him- Doug, Cindy, Jan, Jim, and Penny. Also to Hospice of Northwest Ohio who made the journey more bearable. Visitation will be from 2-9:00pm on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 today at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave. west of Corey Rd. with a Legion service at 7:00 PM. where services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be made to Ruggles Church 1364 U.S. Hwy 224 New London, OH 44851. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.