Martin Beck, age 86, of Auburn passed away on Jan. 4, at East Alabama Medical Center. He was born in Bisbee, Ariz. in 1925, to Martin L. Beck, Sr. and Exa Bargdoll Beck, both now deceased.

They came to Auburn in 1928 when his father joined the faculty of the Auburn School of Education. He grew up in Auburn and attended grade and high school here. Upon graduation in 1943, he worked for a time in a wind tunnel at Langley Field, Va., the predecessor of NASA. He entered the Air Force later that year and transferred to the infantry in 1944. He was captured on a night patrol behind enemy lines in January 1945 and was liberated in April of that year.

Martin studied Engineering Physics at Auburn, graduating in March, 1949. His first job was with the Naval Ordnance Laboratory. He continued his interest in science and read scientific articles throughout

his life. He returned to Auburn in 1954 to work with his father in Beck’s Turf Nursery Co. He became owner of the company in 1961, and operated it until his retirement in 1990. His engineering education enabled him to develop several machines for use in the turf business which he manufactured and sold through Beck Manufacturing Co. During that time he was aided by his wife, Carolyn Horn Beck, now deceased, and his son, Martin Christopher Beck. Later he married Mary Williams Beck, also now deceased. He is survived by his wife Virginia H. Beck, his son, Chris (Lisa) Beck; grandchildren, Christopher (Amanda) Beck and Warren Beck; and step grandchildren, Zack and Trey Ditchkoff.

A memorial service for Beck was held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 6, at Grace United Methodist Church. Reverend Libba Stinson and Dr. George Mathison officiated. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the East Alabama Food Bank. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed. www.jeffcoattrant.com