Robert Owen Beckley
November 8, 1939 ~ October 21, 2022
Robert Owen Beckley was born on November 8, 1939, and passed away on October 21, 2022.
As President of the Indiana Music Educators Association, Robert O. Beckley had the unique opportunity to promote music education statewide. During a six-year tenure, he served as President-Elect, President, and Past President for two years each. In that time of increasing membership, the influence of the organization grew, as well. He also chaired a committee that reviewed and revised the fine arts curriculum and proficiency standards for the Indiana Department of Education.
He served as the Registrar for the National High School Honors Orchestra from 1980-90. This group made up of the finest high school orchestral musicians from throughout the country, performed every two years at the Music Educators National Conference locations in Indianapolis, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Washington D.C. (Kennedy Center), and Kansas City.
He taught in three school districts during his career: Cambridge City, Indiana; Indianapolis T.C. Howe High School and east side elementary schools; and Warren Township, where he taught strings and orchestra at Warren Central High School and in elementary and junior high schools.
The success of the Warren Central Orchestra was recognized nationally through acclaimed performances at national conventions, including the Mid-West National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago and the Mid-East Band and Orchestra Clinic in Pittsburgh. Also of special note was a rare opportunity: a performance for employees and staff in the central mall at the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
All Warren Orchestra members were able to travel extensively due to innovative fundraising activities. The most significant of these were the Warren Central Symphony Orchestra Great Twenty-Four-Hour Marathon Rehearsals, which made it possible for all members to earn their opportunity to participate in travel opportunities. Once, then Governor Evan Bayh conducted the Warren Orchestra on the CBS This Morning national television program.
All Performing Arts staff members at the time had the opportunity to plan and develop the new Warren Central Performing Arts Facility, which is still recognized today as one the finest in the nation.
Robert’s bands and orchestras from Cambridge City through Warren Central received first-division ratings in every contest in which they participated. Even in his last year of teaching, the orchestra at Warren Central received a first-division rating and was also ranked third out of all orchestras statewide.
He and his wife, Janine, had the opportunity to travel throughout the southern and western United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Their very special place was Hawaii, especially the Big Island, which they visited repeatedly.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Janine.
Robert is survived by his children Kristen Olson and Ryan (Kristy) Beckley; grandchildren, Allison, Brandon, Abigail, Jacob, Gretchen, Sarah, Maya, and Owen; great-grandchild, Arabella; and sibling, Barbara (Richard) Reynolds.
O’Riley – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory is entrusted with cremation arrangements. At Robert’s request, no public funeral services will take place. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to sign the online guest registry or to share a favorite memory of Robert.
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Friends and Family uploaded 3 to the gallery.
You were the Orchestra teacher that taught my older sister and brother. When I joined your class I was a high point in my playing career due to you ability to conduct your group. I played a lot of musical arrangements but my most favorite will always be Air on the G String. Thanks for everything Mr. Beckley aka Bob.
Mack Shead
God’s Blessings to Bob and his family.
As the Principal of Warren Central, I was able to observe Bob as he made such an impact on the lives of so many.He was a devoted and outstanding educator!!!He was a difference maker…..
Tony Burchett
Mr. Beckley was my orchestra instructor at Howe. He was an inspiration to me. He developed my love for classical music and encouraged me to play many of the percussion instruments. I truly enjoyed my time in orchestra and credit Mr. Beckley’s patience with me for my talent today. He was, truly, an inspiration to so many.
This was my father and his grandchildren that he loved so much.
My favorite memory with my grandpa is all the time we got to spend with him as a child. Summer, fall, winter and spring breaks we spent with our grandparents. He taught me how to read,
Spell, and I learned my states and capitals as a kindergartener on the way to D.C. years ago, but my favorite memory of all is getting to see him hold my daughter, his great granddaughter Arabella. The light in his eyes when he first met her. We will forever love you grandpa.
Mr. B was such a larger than life character. He encouraged and corrected me until I reached first chair. He took us to New York. He conducted us with the Butler Orchestra and introduced us to all kinds of music a kid from my background would never have heard. Because of him I love Vivaldi. He was a great motivator and encouraged us to be our very best. He may be gone but the legacy he left will live on! ♥️
I remember the year that I served as president of the orchestra boosters: Selling World’s Finest Chocolate, garage sales, and the 24 hour rehearsal marathon. The trip at the end of the year to play in Washington, D. C. On the ellipse as well as the Pentagon, fun time at Virginia Beach and Busch Gardens. Under Mr. Beckley’s leadership, the orchestra (complete with harp) played beautifully.
Mr Beckley was my orchestra teacher through my high school years. Even in Jr High, he was involved with our Orchestra. We went to Washington DC, had a 24 hour marathon & many more memories that he is intertwined in.
In August, I bumped into him again at a location I did hair services at. I was blessed to get a moment to speak to him and remember all that great stuff from school.
He will be greatly missed & remembered for the impact he had in my life.
Deepest condolences.
Natalia (McKenney) Moore
Warren Central Class of 1994
I have fond memories of Mr. Beckley. He inspired me to play the Viola in the 6th grade and pushed me to play at my best through high school at Warren. Summer camps, 24 hour marathon, Florida/cruise, String Ensemble, Concerts and many more made our time special. RIP, Mr. Beckley. Prayers for comfort to his family.
Mr. Beckley was so much fun! I learned a lot about life and music under his loving care. I experienced the fondest of memories that I will never forget. May you Rest In Peace good and faithful servant. I could never repay the life lessons and grace you extended to me. Much love to your family. He made a huge positive influence on my life to this day. WCHS ‘79
With our deepest sympathy. Your friends at CEVA Logistics
I have fond memories of Mr. Beckley. Thanks to his incredible patience and love for teaching back in the 1989’s, I still play my violin today! He made the Warren Central orchestra…we accomplished because of Mr. Beckley.
We were lucky to have Mr. Beckly as our orchestra director at Warren Central. A few special memories are: 1) The summer of 1979 trip to Washington, D.C. – While walking around site seeing, since I had just graduated and was going to study architecture, Mr. Beckly told me over and over and over and over that I HAD to see the new East Gallary of Art because it was a most amazing building. He was right. 2) I traveled on the school bus up to Chicago for the music/orchestra convention a year or two after graduation with a few other graduates to be fans and support the orchestra. There was a unique joint concert with the Buffalo Grove, Illinois high school, directed by Bruce Fowler, the previous orchestra director at WCHS, and with Mr. Beckley and the WCHS orchestra. Principal Ernie Medcalf gave the introduction for the current and former directors and started into a seemingly embarrassingly long and gushing testimonial for the teaching talents of Bruce Fowler. He then said, 'With that, you would think that we could never possibly replace such a great teacher, BUT WE DID!' The whole audience, including Bruce Fowler and Mr. Beckley were in stitches. Ernie Medcalf then went on to give an equally long and gushing testimonial for the teaching talents of Mr. Beckley, including his commitment to one-to-one instruction. 3) Several years after my graduation in 1979, there was talk of cutting the orchestra program. Mr. Beckley reached out to me to participate in a pamphlet he was making with the testimonials of former students about how the orchestra program improved our lives in school and after graduation. I was honored and glad to participate. Mr. Beckly must have done a lot of convincing to the school board and others to keep the orchestra program intact, keeping the gift of orchestral music going at WCHS. Thank you Mr. Beckly. May you rest in peace. I hope there is an orchestra there.
Michael Nelson, WCHS 1979
Mr. Beckley taught both my dad (cello) and me (violin). I have many fond memories of orchestra- from 24 hour marathon to playing at Epcot in 100 degree weather. No one can forget how he loved to sing along as we played our music. Rest in peace and eternal life.
Mr Beckley had a huge impact on us. We were the first to have him after Mr Fowler. I enjoyed high school so much because of his orchestra. And years later with the alumni orchestra. He was a wonderful man. My husband and I met in Mr B’s orchestra. 42 years of marriage with his orchestra the reason we started dating. Thank you Mr Beckley.
In the 60, Mr. Beckley was my grade school and high school music teacher in Cambridge City.
He influenced my interest in classical music and was instrumental in my playing the violin and bassoon.
He was in fact one of my all time favorite teachers.
I hope his family will accept my sympathy.