Joseph Beke

Joseph G. (Skip) Beke of Hempstead, Texas, went to be with the Lord and his savior Jesus Christ on February 16, 2023. Skip was born in Chicago, IL to Joseph and Sophie Beke in 1943. When he was three years old, his family moved to Spring, TX where they purchased a farm. Skip and his family worked very hard in the fields to produce vegetables to take to market. Skip often reminisced about life on the farm and although times were difficult, he and his brothers and sisters managed to have fun times; like jumping off the barn roof or trips to the creek to swim. Skip also loved livestock and showed his heifers at many shows, including the Houston Livestock Show. Skip attended Spring High School (Class of 1960) and later graduated from Texas A & M in 1967 with a degree in agronomy. He married the love of his life, Sharon Mueller, on July 22nd, 1967. They were blessed with two children, Brian and Heather. During his career, Skip taught biology and chemistry at Tomball High School. While he loved teaching, his dream was always to start his own construction company. He specialized in heavy dirt moving but mainly building golf courses around the Houston area, including Augusta Pines, April Sound, Bear Creek and several courses in The Woodlands. He worked diligently to make Beke Construction Inc., a successful business for 40 years. In 2009, he retired because he was struggling with Parkinson's disease, that lasted 30 years. Skip had a great love for nature and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed white tailed deer hunting with his son Brian, and brother, Gabe. Family meant so much to Skip. His grandchildren, (Cayden, Lane, Joseph, Madison and Jennifer) were his pride and joy. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Gabe Beke, James Beke, Judy Mantooth, Sophie Varali, and Carol Thomas. Skip was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sophie Beke, his sister Kathy Summers, his son, Brian, and son-in-law Mel. The Addison family and staff of Magnolia Funeral Home extend condolences to Joseph's family and friends during this difficult time.