Douglas Beebe

If you have ever had the pleasure of meeting Douglas Beebe, you would know that he was an honest, respectable, stand-up guy. Doug's positive attitude, funny sense of humor and giving spirit made him a man worth meeting.

Born just two years before the onset of the Great Depression, Doug was welcomed into the loving arms of Clare and Maybert (McLaughlin) Beebe on March 3, 1927. Times were tough for all Americans during Doug's childhood years, however, he stayed ambitious about the future by focusing on his love of football. Doug and his two younger sisters, Shirlee and Sandra grew up attending Kalamazoo Schools. They were all three born and raised in

Kalamazoo

and lived with Clare and Maybert in their home on

Oakland Drive

. Doug went to

State

High School

where he excelled as a half back and kicker for their school team.

World War II broke out in 1939 and after graduating from high school Doug went into the Air Force, where he served as a medic while he was stationed in

Paris

for two years before being discharged. Since he was good in chemistry, Doug was given the position of medic. He faithfully served his country in

Paris

for two years before being discharged. After leaving the service, he was ready to begin his college career. Doug enrolled at

Kalamazoo

College

where he could study Economics as well as enjoy playing college football. After successfully graduating from

Kalamazoo

College

with a degree in Economics, Doug sought out to find suitable employment. He was soon hired at Sun Chemical Company where he put down his roots. He was a dependable and trustworthy employee who settled in to a thirty-two-year employment there before retiring as plant manager in 1984.

Doug married his high school sweetheart on August 6, 1949. He met Pat when she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins Dance. Her girlfriend had just broken up with Doug and she asked her to make him feel better by asking him out. It turned out to be the best decision because from that date on they were together. Doug was a tender loving man and he treated Pat with honor and respect. Together, the happy couple raised four children. Tim, Sheri, Dan and Robin were loved and cared for by both Pat and Doug. In 1962, the couple bought a tiny cottage on

Pine

Lake

and many summers were spent relaxing in the sun for the Beebe family. Doug created many wonderful childhood memories for the kids when he took the time to teach them to swim and to ski. The Fourth of July was always celebrated at the lake as the whole family and many friends boarded the pontoon boat to enjoy the fireworks exploding over the water. On summer weekends, Doug always enjoyed cooking and entertaining close friends and family at his special little place at the lake. In 1980, Doug tore the little cottage to the ground and with the help of his two sons, built his retirement home in its place, completing it in 1987. His home at the lake was very special and he didn't want to be anywhere else.

Doug taught each of the kids how to drive although it was still scary for him to hand over the car keys when they officially received their driver's license. Fall and Winter Sundays in the Beebe home was generally reserved for watching football, Ed Sullivan and eating popcorn out of Doug's "special" popcorn pan.

Doug was a good golfer, and he covered all the local courses with his longtime foursome over the years. For the last forty years, he and his buddies went up to

Canada

every May to fish at a "fly-in" camp. He and Irv Olson were two from the original group who had made the trip every year. Although he was in some pain and discomfort, Doug traveled to

Canada

one last time in May of this year. He was a hunter too and enjoyed deer hunting near

Rapid

River

with his friend Bill Glennon.

As Doug's health deteriorated, Pastor Ken Dykhoff and his wife Brenda, generously brought church to Doug. They spent time ministering to Doug and Pat and they were a true source of comfort and support. While Doug was being cared for at

Pipp

Hospital

he gained the love and respect from many caregivers and staff there. When it came time for him to be discharged they threw him a going away party complete with singing, lots of hugs and a tee shirt signed by all the staff.

Over the years, Doug and Pat welcomed not only their four children, but also their significant others, Jim, Kirk and Melinda as well as six grand children and two great grandchildren into the family. Doug had developed many deep and lasting relationships with family and friends along the way who had stayed close with him through the years. His genuine kindness and fun loving way will be remembered deep in the hearts of those who loved him. His trademark laugh will continue to ring in the ears of those who heard it, and it will be an encouragement during their time of grief. Doug Beebe was a wonderful man and he will be deeply missed.

Douglas Beebe, age 78, died at

Borgess

Medical

Center

on October 23, 2005. To learn more about Doug visit with his family on Thursday from Noon-2:00p.m. at the Rupert, Durham Marshall & Gren Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where his service will follow at 2:00p.m, with Pastor Ken Dykhoff of Spring Valley Wesleyan officiating. Doug's family includes his wife Pat; children: Tim Beebe of Grand Rapids, Sheri & Jim Ferrari of Kalamazoo, Dan Beebe and his fiancée Melinda Ritchie of Plainwell, and Robin & Kirk Evans of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Kelly & John Paulsen, Kevin & Nancy Beebe, Lindsay Ferrari, Andrew Ferrari, Matthew Evans, and Tyler Evans; great-grandchildren: Jack & Hailey Paulsen; and sisters: Shirlee & Paul Hepler of New York and Sandra & John Besselsen formerly of Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents. Please visit Doug's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a favorite memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution. Memorials may be made to

Spring Valley

Wesleyan

Church

.