Gary Lynn Beckham
April 7, 1951 ~ October 22, 2025
Gary Lynn Beckham passed away peacefully in his home October 22, 2025, after a lengthy 9-year battle with cancer. He lived every day of those 9 years courageously with a positive and determined spirit. His Christian faith sustained him through the most difficult of times.
Gary was born on April 7, 1951, in Pittsburg, Texas to the late Harold Beckham and Verbie Barnes Fitzhenry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 brother and 1 sister.
Gary married Linda Hellums Beckham, a devoted wife of 55 years. Together, they had 3 children: Julie Beckham Axum, Jared Beckham, and Tempie Beckham Hughes. He loved to spend time with them, playing games with them throughout their lives, and helping them in any way he could. He was the parent who assisted with Algebra Homework because he was brilliantly fast with numbers.
Gary served the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a correctional officer for over 30 years. He was well liked and known for his work ethic, speed, and respectfulness to others.
One of his favorite past times was watching the Texas Ranger's baseball games and attending them, when possible, with his son, Jared. He was also fond of traveling, satisfying his sweet tooth, and visiting with the many people in which he met and developed a connection.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; 3 children, Julie, Jared, and Tempie; 2 sons-in-law, Lynn Axum and Gary Hughes, 1 daughter-in-law, La Kay Beckham; 6 grandchildren, Jestina, Jestin, and Jesaiah Axum, Jacob, Kale and Jessie Beckham; 2 great grandchildren, Jensen and Levi Beckham and one baby Axum on the way; along with several extended family members.
Gary's presence will be missed, but memories of him will remain in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
Cremation services for Gary Lynn Beckham are in the care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. An informal memorial service celebrating Gary's life will be held at New Life Community Church, 2320 State Highway 155, Palestine, Texas on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. We invite all who knew and loved Gary to join us in honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to share a favorite memory of Gary either at his memorial service or online at www.rhonefuneralhome.com.
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I remember when I forgot to put deodorant on the day of a Track Meet. I just knew that I would smell really, really bad. So, I called Mom and Dad came rushing over to the school with deodorant, a snickers bar, and a Coca-Cola! He loved being “needed”.
I remember going to Pittsburg, TX for hot links with Poppaw, Uncle Jared, and cousin Jacob and being told I wasn’t a man if I didn’t eat enough links. I wasn’t a man the first time apparently. The second attempt I ate enough to be a man.
I remember when we were all playing football one year when they lived out on 84 and Jestin (My Brother) had the ball and papa (Gary Beckham) dove for him. He laid out and was trying so hard for his team not to lose. It just showed how competitive he was. Playing board games or any activity he just did not want to lose. A lot of us in the family carry that same competitive nature. He was Loved and he will definitely be Missed!
Dad spent many nights helping me (his youngest daughter) with my math homework in high school. I’m sure it was the last thing he wanted to do after a long day of working 2 jobs. Sometimes he would send me to bed while he completed my homework. Pretty sure I never would’ve graduated without his help!