A longtime teacher and coach Joe Beck, was remembered during a Celebration of Life Service in Junction City on Tuesday in Junction City.

Beck, who coached and taught for many years at Junction City High School before his retirement, died August 17.

He was remembered during the service as a man who touched many people, as someone who would do anything for anyone. He was a humble man who never bragged about the things he had accomplished, and served as a good role model.

Beck’s good friend, longtime basketball coach Chuck Minor,  remembered their experiences together when they were young playing basketball together. Later they coached against one another on the high school level. Minor reminded the audience that Beck was an All Big Eight baseball player for Kansas State,and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. He was a member of the 1963 junior college national championship basketball team at Independence Community College, and later as a coach who had track and cross country teams at Bonner Springs win state championships.

At JCHS Beck was the head basketball coach for five seasons, and had two state tournament teams. During his time at JCHS, among other sports, he also coached football and track and field, and he served as a social studies teacher.

Former coaching and teaching colleagues and family members were in attendance for the service. Burial was in Riley Cemetery.