Gene Edward Beckham, 81, of Sapulpa passed from this life Monday, July 20, 2020.  He was born January 27, 1939 to John and Ella Beckham in Hoyt, Oklahoma.

Gene was from modest beginnings and always enjoyed telling stories of when he and his family would travel from place to place to work.  These beginnings instilled a work ethic in him that was second to none.  Gene worked a few different jobs through the years, car salesman, house painter but his true career was working in the local glass factories.  He worked for both Liberty Glass and Bartlett Collins Glass and following the strike at Liberty Glass he went back to work for Bartlett Collins Glass where he worked until his retirement.  He believed in working your very best at your job or whatever you were doing. He truly loved working at the glass factories, and he especially loved the people he worked with, and many became lifelong friends. He loved people and he loved being the center of attention by cracking jokes or telling stories in a way that no one else could.

Gene married the love of his life Connie Ann McGinley on August 7, 1978. Gene loved his family so much and he was a very proud dad and grandpa. Gene and Connie became members of the Elks Lodge shortly after marriage, it was where they began many great friendships.  The memories and friendships made there became a very important part of their lives. Gene was loved and he will be missed more than words can say.

Gene is survived by his loving wife Connie of the home, sons John Beckham and Monty Beckham and wife Maggie; daughters Jodi Tyler and husband Tim and Lesha Kay Hill; daughter-in-law Shelly Beckham; grandchildren Michelle Beckham, Jessica Beckham, Noah Beckham, Jonah Beckham, Austin Tyler and Sydney Tyler; sister Zona Arthur and sister-in-law Patsy Rivers and husband Thomas.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers; 3 sisters; and granddaughter Ashley Tyler.

Services will be 10:00am, Friday, July 24, 2020, at Traditions Funeral Chapel in Kellyville.  Arrangements are under the direction of Traditions Funeral and Cremation Services, 35 S. Main, Kellyville, Oklahoma, 918-247-7373.