Joseph R.W. Beckon, 76, of Austin, died at his home on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

Joseph Ronald William Beckon was born on June 16, 1935, in a Buddhist Temple in Honan Province, China, to missionary parents Oscar and Sylvia (Severson) Beckon. He lived in China until he was 16 years old and moved to the United States. Joe married Nancy in 1975. Joe and Nancy lived in Texas for 25 years before moving to Austin 10 years ago. An accomplished woodworker, Joe built his lake home in Texas and remodeled his home in Austin. Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

Joe is survived by his wife, Nancy Beckon, Austin; daughters: Kelli (Randy) Messerly, Manchester, Iowa, Lynda Teichroew, Des Moines, Iowa, Julie Hartson (Ed Horne), Sargeant, Minn., Leanne (David) Clasen, Austin, Cheryl Hartson (Wayne Atkinson), Los Angeles;16 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother and one sister.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Shari Mason officiating. Interment will be in the Waltham Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.