Andrew Beckman

Andrew Scott Beckman, 51, of Swanton passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Born on January 25, 1974, in Montgomery County, Maryland, Andrew was adopted by Melvin and Dottie Beckman of North Glade when he was six months old.

During his time with us, Andrew became his dad's shadow, remaining in the family home from his adoption until his death. Andrew worked tirelessly throughout his life, alongside his dad, on numerous household projects, both big and small. Looking around the family home, you can see a multitude of these projects bearing Andrew's expertise and personal touch.

Andrew had a passion for farming, starting with his grandfather Rudolph Beckman's farm as a young child, and continuing throughout his life helping established farmers in any capacity needed.

Some of his fondest memories included working for Renita Hershman, caring for her horses. He also spent a lot of time over the years working with generations of the Leo Custer family, including Leo, Leonard, and Lee. The stories of his exploits with all three generations have been shared over a lifetime, as they affectionately called him Andy. He also spent time with Wayne O'Brien as well as Dick, Rich, and Adam Bernard, once again lending a hand when and where able to do so.

Andrew also enjoyed lifelong interests and passion in woodworking, horses, trains, studying both his Native American heritage, Egyptian history and culture, and old tractors.

A member of the Swanton Otterbein United Methodist Church, Andrew attended Sunday School and church regularly, serving as an usher when called upon. A man of great faith, Andrew regularly prayed for all he knew and cared about, showing great concern and compassion for others throughout his life.

Andrew was a graduate of Southern High School in Oakland Maryland, and attended Garrett Community College, where he studied agriculture. He attended those classes with one of his dearest friends, Melissa Green Harvey, and they shared many stories and laughs along the way.

While Andrew endured a lot of physical ailments and other challenges during his time with us, losing his father, Melvin, a mere six months ago was one challenge that he struggled to overcome. He passed away of a broken heart. There is zero doubt that they missed one another over these last six months and are now reunited for an eternity on that celestial shore where no one or nothing can ever separate them again.

Andrew's adopted family included his father, Melvin R. Beckman, and his mother, Dorothy F. Beckman, both of whom were waiting on him just inside of Heaven's Gate.

Survived by his brother, Melvin L. "Leslie" Beckman and sister-in-law, Tracy K. Beckman; nephew Anthony, his wife Melina, and his great nephew, Alex, all of Adams TN, Andrew is also survived by his uncle and aunt, Marvin and Ruth Beckman, who were neighbors that looked in on him after dad's passing, helping him in numerous ways, his aunt, Peggy Friend of Warren OH, along with cousins, Simon and Stuart Harvey, and their families.

Preceding him in death along with his parents, were his grandparents, Margaret and Rudolph, Ted and Edna, uncle, Harold Friend, uncle and aunt, Paul and Mildred Harvey, along with cousins, Randall and Carolyn Friend, and Sherman Harvey.

Andrew was also survived by neighbors who were like family to him including Eugene Shreve, Lou and Cathi Ruzzi, and Paul Custer, along with his best friend, David Miller.

Per Andrew's wishes, cremation has taken place. Internment will be in Rose Hill cemetery, North Glade next to his parents.

There will be a celebration of life memorial service at the Swanton Otterbein United Methodist church in Swanton Maryland on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 1 PM with a chicken dinner (his favorite) to follow. All of his family and friends are welcome to attend.

Donations in Andrew's honor and memory can be made to the following: The Swanton United Methodist Church, c/o Jean Wright, 451 Upper Green Glade Road, Swanton Maryland 21561 or Foster Appalachia, c/o Shaina Saturday, P.O. Box 485, Oakland Maryland 21550.

The Fredlock & Fenner Funeral Homes, P.A. - Oakland Chapel is honored to be serving the Beckman family.