Virgil Leon Beck

Feb. 11, 1946 ~ Feb. 19, 2022

Virgil Leon Beck, fondly known as “Sergeant,” passed away on Feb. 19, 2022 in Modesto.

Virgil will be interred with military honors at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery at a private ceremony.

Virgil was born Feb 11, 1946 in Chandler, Oklahoma to Douglas and Roberta Beck. He graduated from Ceres High School and joined the Marine Corps on June 30, 1964. He served two tours in Vietnam. During his service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was discharged as a sergeant in 1967 and joined the U.S. Army Reserves, earning Army commendation and achievement awards. He retired from the military as a Sergeant First Class on Feb. 11, 2006.

Virgil was employed at Nulaid Foods and later as an independent truck driver.

He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 3199, American Legion and the National Rifle Association.

His greatest rewards were spending time with family and visiting with friends.

Virgil is survived by his lifelong friend, Sheri Ulloa; his stepchildren, Bryan Coppage (Veronica) and Eric Beck Collison; and his grandchildren, Clara Coppage and Mateo Coppage. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Eva Beck.

–Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, March 2, 2022