Orville Vernon Beckwith, age 87, of Mt. Blanchard, died at 11:40am on Saturday, August 27, 2011 at his residence. He was born on October 15, 1923 in McComb, Ohio to the late Ernest Wells and Esta Faye (Dillinger) Beckwith. On April 7, 1946 he married Joan Bowman and she died on April 24, 2003. Orville served in the United States Navy during World War II at Panama as an aviation machinist mate, 2nd class. He was a self employed automotive mechanic and retired from the Riverdale School System. He was a 1941, graduate of Mount Blanchard High School. He was a member of the Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church and served on the finance committee at the church for many years. He was a lifelong, avid Cleveland Indians fan and had been a Mt. Blanchard Little League and Pony League coach for many years. He was a very good fast pitch player. Orville enjoyed collecting coins and woodworking. He worked the football chains at Riverdale football games for many years. He was well known for driving his golf cart around Mt. Blanchard. He was always a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He also loved to play cards, especially euchre. He is survived by 3 sons: Gregory L. (Deborah) Beckwith of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brian N. (Joyce) Beckwith of Findlay, and David J. (Joan) Beckwith of Mt. Blanchard and 1 daughter: Jacalyn (Gary) Porcello of Mt. Blanchard. He has 14 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 8 step great grandchildren. He also is survived by a daughter-in-law: Susan Beckwith of Defiance. Orville was preceded in death by a son: Timothy J Beckwith, a brother: Richard Beckwith, and a sister: Patricia Kurtz. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at CRATES FUNERAL HOME in Arlington from 2-8pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church. Pastor Joe Chrisman will officiate and interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad at the cemetery. Friends may contribute to the Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church or to a charity of their choice in Orville's memory. Online condolences may be sent to www.coldrencrates.com.