Arthur Ronald Beck

Arthur Ronald Beck, 85, of Lawton, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. "Ron" or the "Game Warden" was born on July 22, 1940, in River Rouge, Michigan, the son of Arthur Lester Beck and Rita (Tourville) Beck.

As a child, Ron attended the Wayne Westland Community School District and then obtained his Journeyman Plumbing license from Washtenaw Community College. He returned to work at WWCSD for the rest of his career and was instrumental in establishing the B.O.S.S. Union to protect the Skilled Trades Employees. Ron was nominated for a Carnegie Medal of Heroism for a tragedy that was prevented due to his intervention. Ron took pride in his work and often joked "I could never get away from the WWCSD"!

In Ron's youth, he enjoyed motorcycles, racing and was a member of the Highwaymen MC (1957). Ron loved to hunt, fish, "collecting stuff", exploring, cooking, and gatherings with family and friends. Ron was also known to engage a stranger and always made them feel welcome and included. Ron is noted on his kind, generous, loyal, and nonjudgmental nature, along with his deep love of his country.

Ron had a quick, dry, sarcastic sense of humor with one of a kind facial expression to match. He was a master at assigning everyone a nickname. A seasoned storyteller, his epic stories were legendary and may have been, on occasion, "enhanced".

Ron had 45 years with his life partner in crime and companion, Carol. He was an important figure in her three children's lives too. Ron was also a grandfather figure to Carol's five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, providing many experiences for them throughout the years.

Upon retiring, Ron purchased a home he called "The Farm" that he had adored in Lawton, Michigan. The Farm was purchased with an informal agreement written on a napkin. Many friends were made in his new transition to retirement. Ron loved his new friends and community. Ron never regretted moving from the "East" side to the "West" side and wondered why he didn't do it sooner!

Throughout adversity and health challenges, Ron was always the most kind, optimistic, trusting man with an absolute love and appreciation for life that was unmatched, never taking a minute for granted.

Ron is survived by his life partner and companion, Carol Hutchison; daughters, Lisa Darin, Leslie (Steve Voss) Beck, and Andrea Beck; grand-daughter, Hollie (Vicente) Vernon-Galindo; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Vernon and Elia Galindo.

He was preceded in passing by his parents and grandchildren, Ronnie Darin and Katie Vernon.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI 49079. One of Ron's last wishes was that his all his friends and family go to the Casino and have crab legs and crème brulee, reminisce in his honor and to continue the tradition!

The family asks for memorial donations in memory of Ron to be made to a charity of your choosing or perform a kind gesture in honor of Ron.