David Eugene Beckham

David Eugene Beckham, 63, of rural Newton, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at his home. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends after burial with a lunch at the funeral home. Memorials to the Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization may be left at the funeral home.

Dave, the son of Verland and Pat (Doak) Beckham, was born June 12, 1958, in Newton. He spent most of his childhood in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1976. During high school and for a few years after graduation, Dave worked with his dad in the family business, Beckham Masonry. Following that he worked at the Maytag Company and then later for Co-Line Manufacturing as a press operator. Dave was united in marriage with Joyce Hardenbrook Aug. 7, 1981, at the First Assembly of God Church in Newton.

Dave was an avid racing fan. His love for racing began when he and his brother, Robert, both built their own drag cars and raced in Eddyville. In following years, Dave would help others with their cars. He enjoyed Nascar, sprint cars and the NHRA. Dave was a great bowler and also enjoyed boating, skiing and helping friends with construction projects. He and his entire family have been instrumental in the upkeep and care of the Wittemberg Cemetery throughout the years. Dave especially loved time with his family and grandchildren.

Those left to honor Dave’s memory are his wife, Joyce of Newton; three children, Jared (Erin) Beckham of Ames, Jon (Madison) Beckham of Ankeny and Courtney Beckham of Ankeny; three grandchildren, Oliver, James and Vera Beckham; his mother, Pat Beckham of Newton; and brother, Robert (Terry) Beckham of Baxter. He was preceded in death by his father, Verland Beckham.