Arbie “Wayne” Beckemeyer of Cuba, Missouri was born on Tuesday, October 10, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to Harvey August Beckemeyer and Viola Mary (nee Waterman) Beckemeyer and passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the age of 80 years, 11 months and 21 days.
He graduated from Crystal City High School in Crystal City, Missouri with the Class of 1961.
He married Joann Carolyn DePew on March 10, 1962 in Festus, Missouri.
On May 28, 1962, Wayne enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country honorably for 21 years, before retiring in 1982. During his time in Germany, he found joy in volksmarching, where he collected medals.
Upon retirement, he worked in sales for Fidelity Communications in Sullivan, Missouri.
Wayne was a member of Deer Creek Church in Cuba, Missouri and Cowboy Church in St. James, Missouri. He was an avid outdoorsman that enjoyed hunting and fishing. He enjoyed playing pool and listening to country music.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Viola Beckemeyer; parents-in-law, Floyd and Alma DePew; brothers, Robert Beckemeyer and Gary Beckemeyer; sisters-in-law, Ann and husband Art Harris, Ruth and husband Fred Watts, Barbara and husband Edward Fink and Cora DePew; brothers-in-law, Frank Godat, Ken Godat, Floyd DePew Jr., Chester and wife Juanita DePew, Howard and wife Alice DePew, Raymond and wife Sandy DePew, Douglas DePew, Robert DePew, infant Harold DePew and infant Charles DePew; nephews, Steve DePew and Arthur DePew.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Joann Beckemeyer of Cuba, Missouri; children, Rick and wife Wendy Beckemeyer of N. Liberty, Iowa, Barbara and husband Jim Dwyer of Decatur, Michigan and Mike Beckemeyer of Cuba, Missouri; sisters, Joyce Godat of Cuba, Missouri, Donna and husband Lonnie Cannon of Pacific, Missouri and Karen Godat of Flippen, Arkansas; sisters-in-law, Alma DePew of Bonne Terre, Missouri, Helen DePew of Manchester, Missouri, Linda and husband Butch Duerkop of Stockton, Missouri and Brenda DePew of Festus, Missouri; brother-in-law, Frank DePew of Festus, Missouri; four grandchildren, Blake and wife Shannon Beckemeyer, Jimmy and wife Nikki Dwyer, Tiffany Edson and Katy Soto; 15 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri with Pastor Tommy Miller officiating.
Burial at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri with full military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
