William "Poppy" Frederick Beckmann, 96, passed away Friday, April 8, 2016, at the Veterans' Home in Oxford, NY. William was born in Brooklyn, NY, December 6, 1919; only child of Frederick and Pauline (Hoegler) Beckmann. He married Mildred McCardell in November 1945, following his service in the Army during WWII. Mildred predeceased William on March 7, 1997.

William served from 1940 to 1946 in both the Pacific and European theaters, where he rose from private to company commander as a first lieutenant after attending Officer Candidate School. He received a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge, and a Presidential Citation. He was a life member of the Veterans Of Foreign Wars, Post 270, Walton, NY, where he served as commander for 9 years. He was also a past member of the American Legion.

William resided most of his life in Ridgewood, Queens, NY, where he worked in the wholesale meat industry (George Korns and Sons) as a meat cutter for 40 years, before retiring with his wife to Walton, NY in 1987. Once he moved to Walton he worked as a bus monitor for Walton Central School. Endowed with a keen mind, he was known and respected for his broad topical knowledge, inquisitive nature, and love of puzzles, in particular, difficult crossword puzzles. He was an avid golfer, who shot his age many times. William loved animals, particularly dogs, and always had a pocketful of dog treats for his four-legged friends.

William is survived by his three sons and their families: William and Vivian Beckmann, of Hampstead, NC; John and Roxanne Beckmann of New Hyde Park, NY; and Robert and Loretta Beckmann of Walton, NY; his grandchildren, Judy Murphy, Sean (Amy) Beckmann, Jason (Kristen) Beckmann, Brendon (Jamie) Beckmann, Jessica (Matthew) White, Robert Beckmann, and Kathleen Beckmann; and his great grandchildren, Emma, Ethan, Brady, Brianna, Kaylin, Blake, Avelyn, Henry, James, Elanor, Peter, and Oliver; as well as his dear friends, Francis Bojo and Sally Cranston.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday morning, April 16, 2016 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St. Walton NY, where services will be held at 11:30 AM. Burial with full military honors will follow in Walton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society or the Disabled American Veterans Charity in Bill's memory.