Beckett James Arp

Beckett James Arp

Dec. 8, 2008 - Dec. 3, 2015

FRIEND, Neb. -- Beckett James Arp was born Dec. 8, 2008, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Brian and Erika (Keefer) Arp, the first of two children and passed away suddenly Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 6. He was baptized at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Beckett, fondly nicknamed "Bubba," embraced every adventure that came his way. At an early age, he was an expert on dinosaurs, loved sports and certainly enjoyed reading and listening to music. As he grew, Beckett became active in playing baseball, basketball, football and ran track as a little green machine in the South Lincoln Track Club and helping his Dada coach softball and basketball. He also enjoyed playing outside, going to the zoo and hunting with his Dad and family. More recently, he loved helping build a fort with his friends and riding bikes and fishing at the pond. When Beckett wasn't busy hunting "Big Foot," he was passionate about learning while he was in school and very proud he had finished his first chapter book. His brother, Grady, was his best friend and shared every possible moment together. He loved the 4th of July holiday, lighting fireworks and all the events and activities.

Beckett is survived by his parents, Brian and Erika Arp; and brother, Grady, all of Friend; grandparents, Karen Arp, Dennis Arp and Lisa Wilkerson, all of Culbertson, Nebraska; Dianna Knight, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Joe and Tracy Keefer, South Sioux City, Nebraska; great-grandparents, Flo Fuchuck and Kathy Plowman, all of McCook, Nebraska, Reid Finnell, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Gertude and Adrian Bogers, Hayden Lake, Idaho; a great-great-grandmother, Dorothy Hasenpflug, Omaha, Nebraska; an aunt, Jenny and Derek Brown, Kearney, Nebraska; uncles, Daniel Arp, Culbertson, Nebraska, Brenton Knight, Lincoln, Nebraska, Kody and Karter Keefer, South Sioux City, Nebraska; and many other relatives and friends.

Beckett was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, Sy Fuchuck, Glen Arp, Harry Keefer, Gene Crowe and Don Albertson; and great-grandmothers, Marie Keefer and Sally Crowe.

Funeral services were today, Monday, Dec. 7, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Friend, with Fr. Lawrence Stoley officiating. Interment was in the St Joseph Cemetery. A prayer vigil and rosary were Sunday at the church. Visitation was at the funeral home and at the church. Shirley Milton was accompanied Paul Ramp who sang, "God We Praise You." The mass selections were: "The Lord Is My Shepherd," " Jesus, Jesus, On Eagles Wings" and "Open My Eyes Lord." Pallbearers were Daniel Arp, Kody and Karter Keefer, Brenton Knight and Derik Brown. Memorials have been established and may be directed in care of the family. Lauber Moore Funeral Home, Friend, was entrusted with the care and arrangements. www.laubermoore.com.