Those who leave happy memories
dancing in our thoughts
have given the gift of timeless moments
worth holding in our hearts forever.
It's always sad to lose a friend; however, they live on in our memories. Here is a forum which will allow you to share some of those special moments with the rest of our PHS family.
We hope that you will share your thoughts and memories of classmates whom you find on this page by clicking on the "add a tribute" link found under each individual's photograph.
" To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die..."
First Lt. Winfield Beck (US Army) was killed in Viet Nam. His name is etched on the Viet Nam War Memorial in Washington, DC. I can remember participating in many activities at PHS such as the Hi Y, where he was the President. I can remember him as a go- getter and natural leader, thus it was not unusual for him to become an Officer in the Military. Wish there were words to give some comfort to his family who have had to endure such a loss. He will always be remembered by those of us whose path he crossed. Roland Newhouse
From Marti Gunnells Moe:
Winfield Wesley Beck was a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was married to Joanne Reilly, one of our classmates. He was killed in Viet Nam on February 12, 1968 at the age of 25.
Memorial Day Tribute to Winfield Beck
I want to pay special tribute and extend my thanks to the late Winfield Beck, who gave his life so that we can continue to enjoy freedom in our country. Winfield was a good friend during our years a PHS. Sadly, I never got to see him after graduation, but remember him as one of the best men, perhaps the very best, in our class. Winfield was a born leader with a wonderful sense of purpose. He was wise beyond his years, one reason why so many looked up to him. His good looks and charm never went to his head, as he always remained humble. Winfield, we miss you and look forwad to the day when we might see your smiling face once again!
George Gaines, Class of '60
Remembering Lt. Winfield W Beck – Postings on the Vietnam Memorial Website
Posted on 2/13/03 - by Leonard Wayne Purinton
Today, I am remembering Lt. Beck, who was my platoon leader in the summer of 1967. We served together in C Co. 5th Bn 7th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Divison. I was his radio operator July 67- August 1967. In August I had to give up the radio, as I had a bad leg infection and spent a week at the 15th Med hospital in LZ English. When I came back to the field, I went back to being a rifleman. Later on, Lt. Beck became the Company XO. Lt. Beck was a good soldier, one who I looked up to. I was 19 years old and he around 25.
This past year, my parents found over 120 letters that I had written home to them, my brothers and Grandparents detailing the many things that was going on. I have a letter dated February 14th, 1968 that mentions the day Lt. Beck died in action. " Dear Mom & Dad, Hi. Just a few lines this afternoon to let you know I'm ok. Things are really bad here now. The 12th, Lt. Beck, our old platoon leader and than Company XO was killed along with a bunch more as we walked into a BN of NVA soldiers" We were caught in a cross fire and I was able to make it back to to our line of defense, but Lt. Beck was hit and killed on a battlefield NW of Hue. On February 20th, our BN went back to that village and took it over. Today, I am suffering from PTSD. I have been dealing with the war for the past 13 years, it never seems to go away. I have made two trips back to Vietnam in recent years, 1995 to the southern part where the war was fought and in 1998 went to Hanoi for a week.
Posted on 8/22/00 - by Janes B. D'Arcy
Winfield Beck was my friend at Ft. Ord, CA from January to June 1967. He was honest, compassionate, and a man of very high morals. I learned of his death in 1996 while seeing The Wall. Winfield helped me overcome some bitterness and helped me grow up and to lead a good life. Many times, I wanted to thank him for all that he did for me. Winfield's death was a great loss for this country and for the world. I know he is with our Heavenly Father and I look forward to seeing him again someday.
Posted on 3/1/00 - by May Ferguson
My husband and I were best friends with Winfield and his wife prior to him going to Viet Nam. He was the most positive, patriotic person I have ever known. His death was a GREAT loss for this country.
Posted on 5/23/99 - by Judi Hamm
I attended Pensacola High School in Pensacola, Florida with Winfield in 1958-1960 and remember him as a very caring young man. He was well liked by his classmates. I remember him as the type of young man who would gladly do his duty for his country. Judith Elane Dixon Hamm
Posted on 2/9/11 - by abeck619@charter.net
My name is Andy Beck. My father is Aaron, Winfield's younger brother. I was born 8 years after his death. My whole life I have heard my dad and other family members talk about Winfield and what he meant to them. Reading these remembrances has given me a greater perspective of what kind of man my uncle was. I have always felt strongly connected to him although we've never met. I am very proud to be Winfield Wesley Beck's nephew, and I am very happy that he had such a profound, positive effect on so many. I have always wanted to know more information about him and who he really was, and I thank each one of you for taking the time to remember him.
Linda L. Bennett, 67, passed away on January 6, 2010 at Covenant Hospice in Pensacola. Linda was born January 31, 1942 in Pensacola, the daughter of Melville Carr and Avie Lee Brown Baker. She grew up in Pensacola, graduating from Pensacola High School as a member of the National Honor Society. She went on to attend Pensacola Junior College. Linda enjoyed bowling and playing city league baseball and basketball. In 1966 she was united in marriage to Paul Bennett. During her moves around the Midwest she worked for several years as a teacher's aide in Special Education. Her dedication and generosity is remembered by those she worked with. Linda's years in California were especially rewarding as it was there that her children received their college degrees and she was able to enjoy a new passion, horseback riding. In 2000 she and her husband returned to Pensacola. She always had a special place in her heart for Pensacola Beach, the Gulf waters and all inhabitants great and small. In the last few months Linda enjoyed watching the birds and creatures from the deck of their East Bay home. Her positive outlook and loving spirit touched all who knew her.
Linda was survived by her husband, Paul; son, Derek P. Bennett of San Francisco; daughter, Carin R. Froesch of Konigswinter, Germany; granddaughters, Kaja, Hannah; and grandson, Timothy.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Timothy Carr Baker.
The family requests that a memorial donation be made to the Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida or Covenant Hospice .
Barbara Elaine Hennington of Pensacola went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. She was born September 24, 1942 in Tallassee, AL and had been a longtime resident of Pensacola. Elaine worked for 26 years with the Escambia County School System, first as a teacher's aide, then later at the Hall Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bessie Powell Blocker, sister, Gayle Puckett, brother-in-law, Tom Puckett, nephews Jimmy Jordan, Alan Kellis, Marty Kellis, Michael Kellis, Jody Burkett, husband of 27 years and father of her children, Gene Hennington. Survivors include three daughters, Sonya Hennington, Cynthia (Wallace) Johnson, Susan Hennington, son, Marcus (Tinia) Hennington, 4 grandchildren, Adam Hennington, Dana Rose Paine, Sean Paine, Joshua (Heather) Johnson, great-grandchild, Kaylie Johnson, 3 sisters, Aletha (James) Jordan, Diane (Tom) Carter, Robin (George) Lehmann, 2 brothers, Donnie (Rita) Blocker and Ronnie (Judy) Blocker, a host of nieces and nephews other family and friends and special Aunt Merle and cousin Hilda. Elaine was a gentle soul who loved her family with everything she had. Kind to strangers and friends alike. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, with Reverend Jeffrey Henry and Reverend William Estes officiating. Interment will follow in the Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Mr. John Bernard Nimmer, 77, a resident of Greenville, Alabama, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 16, in Spring Creek Cemetery with President Michael Nimmer officiating. Mr. Nimmer was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Nimmer and Ruth Nichols; his stepfat her, Lonnie Nichols; and three brothers, Milo Nimmer, Don Nimmer, and Bill Parish. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Carolyn Bowden Nimmer; their three sons, John Michael (Lisa) Nimmer, Jason Bernard (Sabrina) Nimmer, and Jeffrey O'Neal (Crystal) Nimmer; ten grandchildren, Susan (Josh) Lowman, Rushton Nimmer, Nicholas Nimmer, Anna Claire Nimmer, Ruth Anne Nimmer, Ashley Catherine Nimmer, Catherine Lynn Nimmer, Allison Cameron Nimmer, Tyler Nimmer, and Kennedy Foster; great-grandson, Benson Lowman; and his sister, Gay (Joe) Odom.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to one's favorite charity. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time
Winfield Beck was my friend at Ft. Ord, CA from January to June 1967. He was honest, compassionate, and a man of very high morals. I learned of his death in 1996 while seeing The Wall. Winfield helped me overcome some bitterness and helped me grow up and to lead a good life. Many times, I wanted to thank him for all that he did for me. Winfield's death was a great loss for this country and for the world. I know he is with our Heavenly Father and I look forward to seeing him again someday.
