Martin (Red) Beckman
was born on November 21, 1928, about 20 miles south of Lemmon, South Dakota in a little town called Shade Hill. The farm where he was born is now under the waters of the Shady Hill Reservoir. As a young child, his parents, James Edward and Johanna Beckman moved to Belgrade, MT. Other than a few years spent in Virginia, Martin spent most of his school-age years in the Three Forks and Bozeman, Montana areas. To his parent’s joy, Martin committed his life to his Lord Jesus at a young age.
While attending Lemmon Bible School in South Dakota, Martin sang in a Men’s Quartet which traveled to area churches. While on stage at a little church in McIntosh, South Dakota, Martin took notice of the beautiful young woman he would later marry, Miss Earlene Gall. They were married on June 10, 1952. To this union were born two sons and three daughters, one who died as a new born. Being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950, Martin received Basic Training at Fort Lewis, WA, then was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, where the newlyweds began their family. After military service, Martin and Earlene moved to Bozeman, MT, close to his parents in Gallatin Gateway, where he worked as a logger. They then moved to California for a short time and then back to Montana. Martin was nearly always self-employed. He drove a tanker truck for a time and started a post and pole business in Billings. For many years Martin sold the most beautiful Christmas trees in Billings. Many memories were made searching out the best trees and selling them at this Christmas tree lot. Martin also loved livestock and usually fed a few cows and, for a time, even sheep! Martin also started his speaking and writing business which continued nearly to his death. In some circles he is known as Montana’s Fighting Redhead.
In 2004, Martin and Earlene moved to Kelso, WA, to be near their oldest daughter, Mayva Yaroslaski, and her family. Martin knew no retirement, staying active in their timbered acreage there. He kept on cutting trees and firewood. He was independent. He loved mountains and timberlands. Martin’s dear wife, Earlene, was near him every step of the way for the past 66 years, as wife, secretary, office manager, helpmate and advisor. Theirs true love, sets an example to their four children and 11 grandchildren. Their 11 great-grandchildren will hear stories of Grandpa Beckman for year to come.
