Catain Alan E. Beck, USNR Ret.May 22, 1927 – Dec. 11, 2017Capt. Alan E. Beck passed away peacefully at his home in Fairfield, California on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at age 90.
Alan joined the Navy V-5 program in May of 1945 and attended Whitman College, the California Institute of Technology and the University of California. While at Pre-Flight school in Ottumwa, he joined the Aviation Midshipman Program and received his wings in June 1948. He then received his commission in December of 1948 and served in VA-194 and VA-155 flying Ads at NAS Alameda. In December of 1949 he was released to inactive duty and immediately joined a reserve fighter squadron at NAS Oakland flying the F6F, F4U, FJ1 and F2H. In 1958 he was transferred to VS flying S2s and then served as Commanding Officer of VS-873/VS-216 from July 1967 to June 1970. In February of 1972 he was selected for Captain and retired in 1987 after 42 years and one day of service.
Alan earned a BA degree from Stanford University in 1951 and an MBA degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1953. He retired as Vice President from Wells Fargo Bank in 1982 and went on to enjoy an active retirement with Janet and family – traveling, flying, fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his life partner, Janet Whitehead; sons, Ronald (Kathie) and Cliff; grandchildren, Austin, Devon and Matthew; Janet's children, Mary (Don), Barbara (Chuck) and Bob (Donna); and grandson, Kyle.
Preceded in death by parents, Capt. E. Frank Beck and Beatrice; and wife, Ruby.
Funeral Services with military honors will be held at noon, on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at the San Francisco National Cemetery (Rostrum section G/H) located in the Presidio of San Francisco.