Mr. Charles O. Beck, 95, of Waynesboro, PA, and formerly of 1201 Fifth Ave., Ford City, PA, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the Chambersburg Hospital, Chambersburg, PA. He had resided at Heritage Hills, Greencastle, PA, for the past year.
Born August 13, 1930, in Ford City, PA, he was one of five children born to the late Otto C. and M. Esther (McCollum) Beck.
He attended Ford City High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving during the Korean War.
Following his military service, Charles began a long and fulfilling career with PPG Industries. He and his family relocated to the Waynesboro area, where he worked as an electrical draftsman until his retirement in 1985.
On Valentine’s Day in 1953, Charles married the love of his life, C. Louise Beck. Their love story spanned 62 years until Louise’s passing in 2015. She was not only his partner but also the inspiration for many of the songs he would later write. Before Louise passed away, they attended St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Waynesboro.
Music became a significant part of Charles’s life, especially after Louise’s passing. Channeling his love and grief into songwriting, he had several of his songs recorded in a studio in Thurmont, MD. He even had CDs made and had some of those CDs taken to Nashville, hoping that others might one day hear them on the radio.
Charles was a proud and passionate sports fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies. He enjoyed shooting pool and had a deep love for fishing—especially in the Allegheny River or anywhere he could cast a line, often accompanied by his grandchildren.
He is survived by four children: Cheryl A. Hertz (Steve) of Massapequa, NY, Susan L. Brookens (Russell) of Waynesboro, PA, Charles A. Beck of Waynesboro, PA and Thomas J. Beck (Susan) of Douglassville, PA; seven grandchildren: Stacy Scorcia (Joe), Brittany Dirksen (Drew), Annette King (Dustin), Angela Shetler (Mike), Andrew East (Karen), Thomas “Tommy” Beck and Mary Beck; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert “Bobby” Beck (Lei Lei) of Las Vegas NV, a sister, Gloria Bottegal (Edmond) of Polk, PA and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Beck and a sister, Marilyn Morey.
Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ford City, PA, will be private, at the convenience of the family.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, PA is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
