It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel B Beckler of Washington, IL, loving father, husband, and friend, who passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025 at the age of 90, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Oct 31, 1934 in Copper Hill, TN and is survived by his daughter Karen (Walt Leid) Beckler, his son Ken (Beth) Beckler, and his son Dan (Michelle) Beckler; his grandchildren Ian (Shannon) Beckler, Graham (Darby) Beckler, and Ellie Beckler. He is also survived by his brothers Henry (Nancy) Beckler of Luray, VA, Mitchell (Kathy) Beckler of High Springs FL, and Frank (Marvin) Beckler of Lexington, KY, and sisters Pat Bush of Roanoke, VA, Brenda (Jim) Hughes of Luray VA, and Jo Golden of Cumberland, KY, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn (Fisher) of Bloomington, IL; his parents Henry and Ruby Beckler of Lynch, KY; his brother Gene Beckler of Greenville, MI; and sisters Mildred Paepke of Pierson, MI, and Ruby Beckler of Lynch, KY.

Raised in the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky, Dan was the oldest of 10 and helped sustain his family during wartime his knack for gardening and a love of science. The Korean War led Dan into the United States Air Force where he served his country in uniform for the next 23 years, followed by another 10 years as a civilian after a 10-year stint at Caterpillar in Peoria, IL. During his Air Force career, Dan served during four conflicts in a variety of roles, but the one he loved most was that of a teacher. He taught pilots how to fly in flight simulators and later training mechanics how to keep the equipment on the flight lines operating. After his final retirement from the Air Force, he enjoyed volunteering with the East Peoria Festival of Lights building floats, gardening, collecting and shaping rocks and arrowheads, chatting with the neighbors, and napping in the backyard in his bib overalls.

Visitation will be at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington, IL on Thursday, March 27 from 5pm to 7pm. Masonic rites will be held at 7pm to close visitation. Graveside services will be held on Friday, March 28 at 10am at Minier Cemetery, in Minier, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Northern Tazewell Rescue Squad in Washington, IL.

He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew him.