Frederick John Beckwith

Frederick John Beckwith; of Gingellville; age 88; passed away at home on February 4, 2025.  Fred is the beloved husband of the late Jane Ellen, who passed away in 2016; the loving father of Carol (Richard) Compagnoni, Jeffrey Beckwith and John (Tracy) Beckwith; loving grandfather of Kristine (Rich) Capak, Courtney (Dan) Muncie, Rachel Compagnoni, Kaitlyn Beckwith and Kyle Beckwith, Colleen (Travis) Guaresimo; and dear great grandfather of Lilly Beckwith, Emily Capak, Jackson Capak, Cooper Guaresimo, Bennett Muncie and Barrett Muncie. He is also the dear brother of Arnold Beckwith, the late Donald Beckwith, Betty Beckwith Mooney and Glenn Beckwith.

Fred was born at home in Gingellville on October 10, 1936 to Wilford and Parma Beckwith.  He attended Proper Elementary School before attending and graduating from St. Michael’s school in Pontiac.  Fred would go on to enlist in the Army before meeting and later marrying his sweetheart Jane E. Thornberry in October of 1957.  For a short time he worked at Fisher Body all the while he attended and graduated from Barber School.  In 1960 Fred built the Village Barber Shop in Gingellville, and in 1961 built the Catalina Lounge, which he co-owned with his sister Betty and her husband Joseph Mooney, ultimately to be sold in 1965.  Later on Fred put an addition onto the Village Barber Shop, added a Gun Shop, and then had a game room with a pool table and Pinball machines.  Not that he was busy enough, Fred then established the Village Trophy Shop, which he owned and operated with his wife Jane for many years.  Outside of the business Fred volunteered for the Gingellville Fire Department and took part in establishing the West Orion Baseball League, as well as helping to build the various ball fields around Gingellville. He was a longtime member of the Elks and a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Fred was also instrumental in contacting the Archdiocese of Detroit to establish a Catholic Church at the Waldon Middle School, which was previously known as the Proper School, and would later be known as Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.  In his retirement years he enjoyed living in Florida for 10 years.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 3:30 pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of service and immediately following until 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.