Steven James Beckley, 74, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. He was born on October 28, 1951 in Omaha, Nebraska and in 1965, moved to New Orleans, Louisiana where he resided for 10 years. He moved to Slidell, Louisiana in 1975 were he lived until the day of his passing.

Steven is survived by his wife, Barbara Beckley, children, Nicholas Beckley & Heather Pennington, son-in-law, James Pennington, sisters, Cindy, Tina, Pam, Rosalie. He is also survived by his fur daughter, Nala Beckley and fur grandson, Finn Pennington.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence & Clara Beckley, his aunt, Maudie Beckley, mother-in-law, Delta Cavalier, sister-in-law, Shirley Boudreaux, brother-in-law, Jeffrie Boudreaux, mother, Mary Moade, sisters, Brenda & Janie, several fur babies including Little Girl, Mo Mo, Tootsie Curly and Charlie and 2 grand dogs, Toby and Lulu.

Steve was raised by his grandparents until he moved to New Orleans. He had a rough start at life, but through a kind neighbor, he received the opportunity to join the Merchant Marines at the age of 15. He was able to explore the world, create a carrier and find his love of the water. At the age of 20, he was drafted in the army and served in the Vietnam War for a year. He later became an engineer and spent the majority of his career as the head engineer in the boiler room at the VA Hospital in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, he was asked to work in Alabama for a few years before ultimately retiring. Steve was a hard worker and often found himself working multiple jobs. While working for the government, he also owned his own locksmith business (Becks Locksmith), did carpentry (built his home in Slidell), as well as other hands-on jobs. After retirement, he went back to work for the DOTD and became a bridge tender for several more years before retiring due to his health. Steve also had a soft spot for animals, especially dogs, and would often have several at a time. Each held a special place in his heart and he continued to have fur companions all his life.

While school wasn’t his favorite, Steve loved to learn and share his knowledge. He could watch shows about history, space, animals, geography and mysteries all day. He was an amazing story teller and made sure that his children knew of his life struggles and lessons he learned. When it came to his children, he wanted to ensure they could come to him with problems and not be judged as he would always say “there isn’t anything you can do that I haven’t already done twice”. He had a sarcastic sense of humor, growing up watching comedians like the Marx brothers, and shared these movies and humor with his kids. He enjoyed traveling, though after starting a family, he put his adventures on hold. For the last five years, Steve resided with his daughter and son and law. Realizing that his health was declining and now being retired, Steve insisted on resuming traveling. He went to several locations (often multiple times) including Homestead, Orlando, Key West and Miami, Florida, Foley, Alabama, Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Fort Smith Arkansas, Washington D.C., cruise to the Bahamas, and then to visit his childhood home in Omaha, Nebraska. His last big trip was a Caribbean cruise where he enjoyed sitting on the balcony, playing in the casino, listening to comedy shows and just being able to be back on the water. Steve was a wonderful husband, father and friend and is dearly missed.

Steve’s wishes were not to have a funeral or service. He did not want a memorial and his request was to have his ashes spread at sea. His remains will be kept at his daughter’s home until the immediate family honors his request on an upcoming cruise.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his honor to either the ASPCA and/or St. Jude- both charities that Steve donated to monthly for the last several years.