Founder of veterans court

David B. Beck, who served as a judge for 11 years and helped establish the veterans court in Volusia County, has died.

Beck died Saturday at the age of 69, court communications officer Ludmilla Lelis said.

Beck was born in Sharon, Pa., but grew up in the Ormond Beach area and graduated from Seabreeze High School. He earned his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Florida, Lelis said.

Beck was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1975 and went on to work as an assistant state attorney in the 4th and 15th Circuits.

He worked as a corporate attorney in California after that but returned to Volusia County in 1989, Lelis said. Beck worked as an assistant state attorney in the 7th circuit and then in private practice where he became a certified mediator.

In 2003, Beck was appointed as a judge in Volusia County, and in 2011 as a circuit judge, Lelis said.

Beck, who served in the U.S. Army where he earned the rank of first lieutenant, became the first judge of the 7th Circuit's first veterans court, which he helped establish in November 2013, Lelis said. In May, the court was renamed in honor of Beck, who retired in 2014 and continued to serve as a senior judge.

Outside of the courtroom, Beck was an active member in veterans groups and community organizations, including the Special Olympics.

Beck is survived by his wife Carolyn, six children and 10 grandchildren.