Warren 'Larry' L. Beck, 63

DELAWARE CITY - Warren "Larry" L. Beck died at the Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City on June 5, 2009, after a valiant four year fight with dementia. Larry was born Aug. 8, 1945, in Milford, to the late Judgeson and Margaret (Shaw) Beck. He served in the U.S. Army where he attained the rank of sergeant during his service. Larry worked for 11 years at the Dupont plant in Seaford, owned and operated a Mobile gas station and garage in Ellendale for several years, and for the past 25 years, was the owner of Homeworks General Contracting. A true Renaissance man, there wasn't a challenge or interest that Larry couldn't master. While serving in the Army, he took an interest in boxing and quickly became a first-rate pugilist. With minimal prior experience, he built his first home from the ground up in the early 70's and became an exceptional auto mechanic although he lacked any formal training. He took up the hobbies of painting, carving, and furniture building, and many of his works are proudly displayed in the homes of friends and family. Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Dea and is survived by his son, Keith and his wife Bing; his son, Joseph and his wife Laura; two grandchildren, Paulyn and Jared; three sisters, Pat, Ruth, and Marian; and two brothers, Joe and Dick. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Interment will be in Ellendale Cemetery in Ellendale at 1 p.m. June 8. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 625, Georgetown, DE 19947. The family would like to thank the staff of the Governor Bacon Health Center for their exceptional support during Larry's battle with dementia. Their care of Larry in his final days was truly remarkable and demonstrated a level of devotion without equal. Arrangements were handled by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.