Roger L. Beckett 1974 - 2018

December 24, 2020

Roger L. Beckett 1974 – 2018

January 6, 1974 – September 14, 2018

Roger L. Beckett, 44, of Ashland, Ohio, loving husband of Danielle and father to Laura and Sydney, passed away suddenly Friday, September 14, 2018. Roger was born in Ravenna, Ohio, on January 6, 1974, to Frances and Robert “Bob” Beckett. He was a 1996 graduate of Ashland University and the Ashbrook Scholar program. He also received a Master of Arts in Social Studies Education from The Ohio State University. He received the James Madison Award from the Ashbrook Scholar Program and received a Mentor Award from Ashland University.

Roger was the Executive Director of the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University since 2013. He joined the Ashbrook staff in 1997 and was pivotal in expanding Ashbrook into a national leader in history and civic education. Roger led the effort to create Ashbrook’s Master of Arts degree in American History and Government as well as a variety of other programs for middle and high school teachers to strengthen their understanding of American history and America’s founding principles.

Anyone who knew Roger well knew that he possessed the classical virtue of practical wisdom to the highest degree. He had the capacity to know the right thing to do, and to do it, in the most various and challenging circumstances. This great virtue is only possible when the other virtues—courage, moderation, generosity, justice—are present and active as they were in Roger’s soul. And all these virtues are crowned and perfected by friendship and love, which animated, sustained, and guided Roger in everything he did.

He is survived by his wife, Danielle, and his two beautiful daughters, Laura and Sydney; his mother, Frances Beckett; his sister, Ronda (Rusty) Bruce; brothers Robert Beckett and Randy Wilson; his father- and mother-in-law, Les and Sharon Fuller; his sister-in-law, Yvette (Karl) Gerhard; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends across the country.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Beckett, with whom he is now reunited.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 23, at the Ashbrook Center, 8th floor of the Ashland University Library at 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. Friends may call from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at the Jack & Deb Miller Chapel at Ashland University, beginning at 4:00 PM.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Roger L. Beckett Fellowship for students in the Master of Arts in American History and Government degree program at the Ashbrook Center, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805. Memorial contributions can be made here.