Thomas A. Beckett, age 68, passed away on January 1, 2021 in Shreveport, La.  He was born in December of 1952 in Gilmer, TX, to the late S.A. & Maxine Beckett.  Tom's dad, who was a church minister, moved the family around several times, but in the late 60's, Thomas found himself attending Cotton Valley High School where he met Jenny, who observed him for about a year before deciding he was the man for her.  Thomas was a gifted Jack-of-all-Trades who used his creativity, inventiveness, and plain old hard work to tackle many projects, large and small, to improve life for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jenny ("Tom was my best friend for 50 years."), daughter Jana Smith ("My dad's legacy will live on through the gifts he's given his family, including a deep love for our heavenly Father, the confidence to believe we can build or repair anything if we put our minds to it, a love for outdoor adventures, and a love for each other."), daughter Jayci Windsperger ("My dad instilled in us and his grandkids a sense of adventure in nature, a playfulness in everyday life, and a pureness in our faith in God.  I thank him for giving me the skills and curiosity to learn new things, seek independence, and work hard.  During a project, Dad would often hold up dirt and oil-stained hands and say, 'Sometimes ya gotta get your hands dirty!'  This always made me proud and made his grandkids giggle.  Thank you for it all, Dad.")  Tom is survived by his dearly beloved brothers Frank, Don, & Norman Beckett, and sisters-in-law Mary, Libby, and Penny Beckett, and grandchildren Beckett, Sybil, and Emmett Windsperger.  He loved you all so much, and spending time with you meant the world to him.

The family would especially like to thank the kind, compassionate employees of WK Cancer Center; Tom's friends and co-workers at AT&T, where he worked for 47 years; thoughtful and generous neighbors; and the loving brothers and sisters at Airline Drive Church of Christ.  A memorial service will be held at a later date; for now, friends and family are warmly encouraged to send a personal message to us in the Guest Book here online.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to any charity that supports law enforcement or wounded veterans.