Anthony Wayne "Tony" Beck

Anthony Wayne “Tony” Beck, age 43, of Freeman Spur, Illinois, went to heaven Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at his home.

Tony was born February 17, 1979 in Aurora, Illinois to Ronald W. and Sherie L. (Edson) Beck.  He grew up in Hurst, Illinois and graduated from Herrin High School in 1997.  He was on the wrestling team while in high school.  He joined the U.S. Army and attended John A. Logan College when he returned.  He worked at Terrace Fence Company as a sales rep while in college.  After receiving his degree in Criminal Justice, he attended the Police Academy.  He then worked as a police officer in Gorham, Energy, and Herrin, Illinois.  He also served as the Chief of Police in Freeman Spur, IL.  He was currently self-employed at the fencing business he recently started. In his spare time he played in the National Adult Baseball League and was a member of the Freeman Chapel in Freeman Spur, IL.

Tony had a big heart and never knew a stranger.  He loved his family very much and never forgot to say “I love you” before he left or got off the phone.  His smile was contagious and his personality could brighten a room.  He always knew the right words to say to cheer up friends and was full of charm.  He was also the life of the party.  So many of his friends and family have great memories to cherish.  Even though he is gone, he will remain alive in the hearts of so many that loved him.

He is survived by his four children, Kaitlyn Beck of Herrin, IL, Julie Beck of Herrin, IL,  Brier Beck of Herrin, IL, and Arianna Beck of Freeman Spur, IL; His parents, Ronald W. Beck of Freeman Spur, IL, and Sherie L. Edson of Freeman Spur, IL; five siblings, Shawn J. Beck of Millington, IL, Brian L. Beck and his wife, Krista, of Sioux Falls, SD, Mindi J. McCown-Dodig and her husband, Michael, of Freeman Spur, IL, Andrew A. Beck and his wife, Jeni, of Freeman Spur, IL, and Angelica L. Joiner of Freeman Spur, IL; aunt Sandy Edson-Bowers and her husband, Dave, of Carbondale, IL;  first wife,  Jamie (Marlow) Sims of Herrin, IL; second wife, Paige (Thome) Beck, of Herrin, IL; ; nieces and nephews, Casey McCown, Carlee McCown, Jeffrey McCown, Jr., Caylea McCown, Abby Beck, Jacob Beck, Tristan Beck, Kaleb Beck, Landon Beck, Steven Beck, Emma Beck, Chloe Beck, Chase Beck, Hayley Beck, Hunter Beck, Dillion Beck, Mackenzie Dodig and Collin Dodig; and his best friend, Frankie Price.

He was preceded in death by his third wife, Ashley Nelson; paternal grandfather, Clifton R. Beck; paternal grandmother, Pauline Beck; maternal grandfather, Arnold Edson; maternal grandmother, Jeanette Edson; and his aunt, Sue “Sue-Sue” Edson.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin, Illinois.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 8th, 2022, 1:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home with Tony’s brother,  Rev. Brian Beck officiating.  Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.