Rapid City - C. Perry Beka, Sr. 95, died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Golden Living Center-Prairie Hills. He was born November 15, 1919 in Racine, Wisconsin, the son of August and Ila [White] Beka. His family being in the construction business, moved many times ending up in the West River area of South Dakota, where he graduated from Sturgis High School. Perry graduated from the South Dakota School of Mines in 1943 with a civil engineering degree, where he was a member of the Theta Tau Fraternity. Throughout the war, Perry was employed as an engineer with the Curtiss-Wright Corporation of Columbus, Ohio. It was in Columbus that he met and married Jane Rothert on December 27, 1945. They then moved to Rapid City, SD and soon after starting in business with his father and together they started Beka Ditching. The business is still in operation today in its 4th generation. Perry enjoyed working on small engines and restoring antique cars. He was an avid reader of any and all books. "Why would I watch T.V. when I have a book to read?" Perry received his Private Pilot's license at the age of 65 and enjoyed his Sunday morning flights with his son. He was a long time Elks Lodge member of 73 years. Survivors include his sister: Phyllis [Mike] Owens of Houston, TX; his son: Charley [Nancy] Beka, Jr. of Rapid City; his daughter: Elaine [Paul] Gozur of Phoenix, AZ; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Perry was preceded in death by his parents and, wife Jane in 1979. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, 2700 Jackson Boulevard. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Monday, January 19 at the funeral home with Rev. Herb B. Cleveland officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. View Cemetery, Rapid City. Memorials may be directed to the Meals on Wheels program or South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Scholarship Fund.