Robert Clayton Beckett, 86, of Leonardtown, MD died February 1, 2013 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in in Leonardtown, MD, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 19, 1926 in Leominster, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Charles Don Beckett and Evelyn Cormier Beckett

Robert joined the United States Army in June 1944 as a Corporal and was honorably discharged in November 1948. He served in World War II and earned two bronze stars. He graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953. He joined the United States Air Force Reserves as a Second Lieutenant in May 1955. He was employed by the U.S. Naval Research Lab as a Research Oceanographer from 1955-1983 and was an adjunct professor at Charles County Community County (now CSM) teaching physics and chemistry for twenty years.

In 1970, he married his beloved wife, Gloria C. Beckett, with whom he spent 44 wonderful years. After retirement he taught math and science for 12 years at Victory Christian Academy High School in Richmond, VA. He also taught for 8 years at the Bible Institute in Richmond, VA. He was a member of Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle in Ashland, VA and the VFW Post 6364 in Richmond, VA. He received the Naval Research Lab Exceptional Performance Award in 1974 and 1978, and the Naval Research Publication Award in 1979. He moved to St. Mary's County in July 2011 from Richmond, VA. He enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his beloved wife, Robert is survived by his children, Rusty Beckett of Gray, ME, Janice Blaine (Richard) of Priest River, ID, Carol Vallandingham (Bernard) of Leonardtown, MD, Phillip Beckett (Noreen) of Eagle River, AK, Bruce Beckett of Leonardtown, MD, Evelyn Lucas (Mark) of Manassas, VA, and Jonathan Beckett (Midori) of Herndon, VA; his step-children, Eddie Burbano (Patricia) of Manassas, VA, James Burbano of Colombia, South America, Fernando Burbano of Arlington, VA, and Clemencia Hellebuyck (Rudolfo) of Greenville, SC; his sister, Helene Baetz of Ann Arbor, MI; 25 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family will receive friends for Robert's Life Celebration on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from 5PM to 8PM with prayers recited at 7 PM with Father Joseph Edgington at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 12 PM at Quantico National Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Peter Vallandingham, Bernard Vallandingham, John Vallandingham, James Vallandingham, Julian Burbano and Nate Pappas. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Robert Lucas, Rafael Hellebuyck, Sebastian Hellebuyck, Lucas Blaine, William Blaine, Yosef Zulal, Connor Beckett, Ryan Beckett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.