Luke R. Beckwith, 85, a longtime resident of Lee, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Born December 10, 1938 in North Adams, he was the son of Clarence and Mabel (Rowley) Beckwith.
Mr. Beckwith served with the U.S. Airforce as an MP, then with the Adams Police Department. He owned and operated L & M Services and had also previously worked at Holland Co. in Adams. He earned his Nursing Degree from McCann Technical High School in North Adams and worked as an LPN at North Adams Regional Hospital and later Timberlyn Heights Nursing Home in Great Barrington.
Luke enjoyed traveling; one place he enjoyed visiting was casinos. He also liked to play cribbage. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Adams.
Luke is survived by his wife of 29 years, Ellen Louison Beckwith, whom he married on November 12, 1994, along with his son John Beckwith (Kim); his daughters, Karen Carver (George) and Peggy Wesloski (Mike); his grandchildren, Michael Lee (Jackie), Dustin Beckwith, Stephanie, and Zachary Carver; and his great-grandchildren, Vance Carver and Karrington Lee. Luke is also survived by his close, loving extended Louison family, which includes his mother-in-law Barbara Louison and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Cynthia Troiano (Michael), Rick Louison, John Louison (Jody), Ann Kinne (Matthew), Chris Louison (Amanda). He also leaves his beloved cats, Paco and Little Bit, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended cherished family members and friends.
Along with his parents, Clarence and Mabel, he was predeceased by his daughter Susan McCormick; his grandsons, Jerod and Joshua Beckwith; his brothers, Eddie, Claude, and Clarence Beckwith; and his father-in-law Richard “Rit” Louison.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. A service will follow at 6 p.m., conducted by Rev. Arthur Kaufman. Donations in memory of Luke may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family, please visit the funeral home’s website.
