Sheldon Louis Beckwith was born on November 6th, 1975, to Barb Swenson and James Beckwith in Pierre, South Dakota. Sheldon was a born comedian, a natural storyteller that could make anyone in his presence laugh to tears. If you were to get a phone call from him, you wanted to make sure you had time for a laugh. He would reminisce for hours and make every moment better just by hearing his voice and genuine care for you. It was a blessing he had a Verizon unlimited talk plan. Sheldon was often compared to Adam Sandler. His love for movies and sports were boundless. Happy Gilmore was one his favorites, we can only pray he is able to call "fore" from up above. He would laugh with strangers, as well as family and close friends. His natural gift to help anyone in need, along with his free spirit will be treasured always.

Throughout his early years, Sheldon excelled at athletics. He was aggressive by nature in basketball and football throughout high school. He loved it when his teams were ahead and his coaches would give him free rein to play all out and set the tone, a Dennis Rodman approach of sorts. Sheldon also enjoyed dirt biking and fishing in the Black Hills with his brother Brian and friends.

After high school, Sheldon joined the Air Force as a helicopter mechanic. He loved being an airman and will never forget the men and women he served with. Sheldon received many awards while serving in the Air Force, of all, he was most proud of the Lt General Leo Marquez: Outstanding Aircraft Maintenance Person of the Year.

He is survived by his children, Austin (Heather) Beckwith and grandchildren Carson and Beau of Camp Pendleton - Oceanside, CA; Dominic Beckwith (Peyton Miller) of Aberdeen, SD; and Sebastian Beckwith of Ocean Springs, MS. His mother Barb (John) Swenson of Sturgis, SD, grandmother Doris Rock of Sturgis, SD; sister Megan Beckwith - niece - Brielle, also of Sturgis, SD; Sister In-law Kelly Beckwith and nieces and nephew- Victoria, Tristan, and Natalie of West Bend, WI. Along with Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins that were special to him.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Rock, Louis Beckwith, Grandmother, Alice Beckwith, father, James Beckwith, and brother Brian Beckwith.

Military Graveside Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established to the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center in Deadwood.