Paul James Beckstead's Obituary
Paul James Beckstead
Paul James Beckstead, 89, of Tacoma, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2016. Born November 26, 1926, Paul was a lifetime resident of Tacoma. He was the youngest of three boys born to Amasa and Ethel Beckstead. He lived on the same block as his brother Guy for most of their married lives. He attended Oakland Elementary, Jason Lee Junior High, and Lincoln High School.
In 1946 he went to work with his brother Cliff at The Red and White Grocery Store on Center Street. He married Ranae Bailey on August 14, 1948 in Clifton Idaho. In that same year he and his brother Cliff built a new Shop Rite grocery store where Paul managed the store Cliff operated the butcher shop. In September of 1958 they sold the store and shortly thereafter he started working for the Tacoma school district. He held various positions with the district and union. He also taught boiler operations and custodial classes. He retired from the District in June of 1989 as the Assistant Operations Manager with over 30 years of service. After his retirement he enjoyed spending his winters in Apache Junction, Arizona with his wife Ranae.
Paul assisted his three sons in building and remodeling numerous homes. Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ranae. Paul is survived by his son, Paul (Leslie) of Helena, Montana, Janet Fogt (William) of Alpine, Utah, Charles (Stacy) of Puyallup, and Alan (Shelly) of Mesa, Arizona, 20 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.
Paul was a member of the Highland Hills Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 23rd in the Valley Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park. Viewing begins at 11:00 am followed by a memorial service at 12:00 noon.
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