Roland J. Beck was born and raised in Centerfield, Utah. His family was involved in farming and lumber work. He joined the Navy in 1942 and passed the test that qualified him to become a radio technician. The war ended while he was in Chicago. He was sent to the Philippines and spent time transporting Koreans back to Korea. He spent time on islands throughout the Pacific Ocean. He returned home, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and attended college. He married Pauline Madsen and raised a family. He remained in the National Guard for years after his service in the Navy, and encouraged his sons and grandsons to serve as well. He married two separate times and has twelve children altogether.