Tommie Ben "Tom" Beckley, 67, of Topeka, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was born October 26, 1955 in Topeka, the son of James T. "Jumbo" and Marjorie L. "Margie" (Morris) Beckley.
Tom graduated from Shawnee Heights High School. He was employed as a roofer for Stevenson's Roofing, Counts Roofing and Guttering and GenFlex Roofing before retiring. He was a member of the Roofers Local No. 20.
As a young man, Tom enjoyed playing baseball, shooting pool, golfing, and loved playing Blackjack and Poker. He enjoyed camping with his family but always had to sneak off to find a golf course near the campground. The family always went on a canoe trip once a year. Tom enjoyed participating in a Fantasy Football League. He loved watching all sports on TV but had a special love for Royals Baseball, Chiefs Football and the Kansas Jayhawks. Tom truly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and other family members. He always referred to his grandchildren as "Little Bozo's" so Connie taught all of the grandkids to call him "Grandpa Bozo".
In recent years, Tom made some major lifestyle changes including diet and exercise. He lost over 100 pounds by swimming four times a week and eating healthy. He really enjoyed visiting with his old friends, Brent and Don.
Tom married Constance S. "Connie" Mayfield on November 19, 1982 in Topeka. They later divorced but remained great friends. Survivors include two daughters, Diana M. (Lamont) Neal of Topeka, Elizabeth A. (Daniel) Eich of Topeka, two honorary children, John C. Miller of Topeka, Linda J. "Pooh" Macias of Topeka, many other special children, six grandchildren, Michael J. Pruett, Damion B. Eich, Erica M. Pruett, Emma P. Eich, Collin F. Pruett, Elijah O. Eich, two honorary grandsons, Isaac Macias and Abel Macias and his siblings, Delialah "DeeDee" (James "Jim") Aubert of DeSoto, Catherine "Cathy" (Leroy Wedeking) Aubert of Topeka, Anita (Otis) Trimble of Wichita, his twin sister, Terri (Timothy "Tim") Norris of Wichita, his brother-in-law, Noel Forsythe of Wilcox, Arizona, his sister-in-law, Diane Beckley and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Arlene "Sissy" Forsythe, James "Jim" Beckley and Alberta Snell and his brother-in-law, Donald "Don" Snell.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. Burial will follow in Rochester Cemetery. Tom will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the funeral home.
The family requests that you wear Kansas City Chiefs or Kansas City Royals attire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to his daughter's to assist with funeral expenses.
To leave the family a special message online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.