Under Doug Beck’s leadership, Beck Suppliers grew into a diversified, multi-branded enterprise.
Ohio Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association (OPMCA) is mourning the loss of long-time industry champion and association director Douglas (Doug) Beck, who passed away Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at Toledo Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Beck was a recognized and highly respected leader in Ohio’s petroleum and convenience industry. As president of Beck Suppliers Inc., in Fremont, Ohio, Beck proudly carried into the 21st century the thriving family business first started in 1964 by his father and uncle, Bill and Larry Beck.
Under Doug Beck’s leadership, Beck Suppliers grew from a successful distributor of petroleum and petroleum products serving homes, farms and business across northwest Ohio, to a diversified, multi-branded enterprise that today boasts thriving fuel oil, lube, and propane divisions, is an Oasis Car Wash distributor, and operates convenience stores under the Friendship Food Stores brand.
Throughout his career, Beck was an avid supporter of OPMCA. For nearly two decades, he played a pivotal role in the association’s efforts to advance the interests of Ohio’s independent, family-owned petroleum marketers, both at the Statehouse and on Capitol Hill. He was first elected to the association’s Board of Directors in 2002, and again most recently in 2015. During his tenure on the Board, Beck frequently collaborated with the association’s government relations team to engage face-to-face with lawmakers, regularly sharing the personal story of how company’s like Beck Suppliers drive Ohio’s economy by creating jobs, and strengthen local communities through philanthropic engagement.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Beck was a generous philanthropist who took great pride in giving back to his community. He was past president of the Fremont Rotary Club and a member of the Port Clinton and Fremont Yacht Clubs, Ducks Unlimited, Rockwell Springs Trout Club, Fremont Elks and the Fremont Country Club. He also served as a board member for SANDCO Industries. A man of many talents, Beck was also a proud Eagle Scout who loved fishing, hunting, boating and snowboarding. Above all else, he was a dedicated family man, a loving husband, father, brother and mentor.
Family, friends and business associates will fondly remember Doug Beck for his kindness, humor, humility and generosity.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Michelle (Coe) Beck of Fremont; children Olivia (Ryan) Beck-Lashaway, Rocky River; Madeline Beck, Cleveland; Chloe Beck, Seattle, WA; and Maxwell Beck, Fremont; brothers Brian (Robin) Beck, Port Clinton and Dean Beck, Fremont; as well as his step-mother Meridith Beck, Port Clinton. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sandra (Foley) Beck and William Beck.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Fremont, followed by a celebration reception at the Fremont Elks Lodge. Memorial contributions can be made in Doug Beck’s memory to PAMS/Morona Cocha Mission: 41360 Fox Run Road, #519, Novi, MI or Grace Lutheran Church, 705 W. State Street, Fremont, OH 43420. Online condolences may be offered on the Wonderly Horvath Funeral Home website.
