Donald Reamer Beck

Donald Reamer Beck, 100 of Lititz, passed away early Sunday morning, May 5, 2024.

Born on August 30, 1923 in New Providence, he was the son of Mary (Reamer) and Enos Warren Beck. He is survived by a daughter Judy, wife of Leon Lobos of Millersville, and a grandson, Andrew Lobos of Pittsburgh. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by 3 siblings, Dorothy, Mervin, and Carl.

Don graduated from Quarryville High School and went on to major in Physics at Franklin and Marshall College. His sophomore second semester was interrupted when he received a letter stating a call to active duty. Don served in the military during WWll from 1943 – 1946 as a B-24 Liberator pilot. He flew 23 missions across Europe with the 449th Bomb Group, 716th squadron stationed in Grottaglie, Italy. After the war he served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

After the war, Don returned to Franklin and Marshall College to complete his degree. It was there he met and fell in love with Helene, a nursing student at Lancaster General Hospital. They married in 1948 and celebrated 73 years of a wonderful marriage.

Don received a Master of Education degree from Temple University and taught high school science for several years in Downingtown, PA. Employment with RCA Corporation brought them back to Lancaster where Don worked as an engineer for 20 years.

In the mid-1970s Helene and Don entered into the world of business ownership purchasing Wissler’s Flower Shop which they owned and operated for 15 years.

Retirement brought the freedom of travel, woodworking, gardening, staying fit, and more time to spend with family, especially his grandson, Andrew. Working side by side they both took pleasure in taking apart computers and electronics. Don was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was kind amiable, warm-hearted, and unpretentious. Friends and family are invited to attend Don’s memorial service on June 18th, 11:30 AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.717cremate.com