- August 27, 2024
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William “Bill” Joseph Beckmeyer M.D., a beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on July 3, 2024, at the age of 94.
Born May 20, 1930, to his parents William and Henrietta, Bill grew up in Fort Thomas, KY. He attended St. Xavier High School followed by Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he earned his undergraduate degree.
He continued for an additional four years at Georgetown University School of Medicine. Upon graduating with honors, he interned at Detroit Receiving Hospital followed by serving in the Army for two years in the Medical Corps.
It was in Detroit where Bill met his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Beckmeyer (deceased), they married and returned to Fort Thomas, KY, where Bill started his pediatric practice. He devoted his career to caring for children, earning the admiration and respect of so many parents and families for over forty years.
His gentle demeanor, unwavering patience and genuine compassion made him a beacon of hope and comfort for countless families for 3-plus generations. His contributions to the medical field and commitment to helping others will forever be deeply valued by so many. Bill was a family man.
He was a proud father to William Peter (Susan) Beckmeyer MD; Mark Christopher (Theresa) Beckmeyer and Anne Therese (Paul) McSwigan, and grandfather to Alexandra “Lexxie” Keel (Fletcher Keel); Sydney Beckmeyer; Nicholson “Nick” McSwigan; and Shea Harding (Sean Harding). He cherished every moment spent with his family, always putting their needs before his own.
His wisdom, kindness and humility are what his children would say have made them the individuals they are today. Upon his retirement, Bill moved to Longboat Key, FL. LBK, as it is known to so many, was a place Bill and his wife Betty considered their second home.
They had spent twenty-plus years vacationing there with their children and lifelong friends. There was never any question where they would be spending their “golden years”. In retirement, Bill could be seen on the golf course, tennis courts, taking long walks with his beloved golden retrievers (Sammy and Francie), or sitting on his porch reading a good book. More so, a faithful and devoted Catholic, you could find Bill attending Mass daily.
After Betty’s death, Bill remained in LBK and married Marie Watts. For the last nine years, they have built a life together enjoying each other’s companionship and similar passions — tennis, golf, travel and much more. Bill’s spirit, love and legacy will continue to inspire his family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
VISITATION
4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 22, at the Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home at 427 S. Fort Thomas Ave. in Fort Thomas, KY.
BURIAL
10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Church in Fort Thomas, KY. Burial will take place at St. Stephen Cemetery.
MEMORIALS
Memorials can be made to Children’s Hospital — Charitable Care Helping Families in Need 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3206. Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell is serving the family. Online condolences may be made to DMEfuneral.com.