Harry E. Beeson, Jr. Obituary (1924

Harry E. Beeson, Jr., 83, of Pana, died Monday, March 3, 2008 in Heritage Manor-Pana. He was born May 19, 1924 in Pana, the son of Harry E. Beeson, Sr. Kathryn Mae Gallup Beeson. Harry was a graduate of Pana High School, and served in the U.S. Army during WWII. Harry had lived his entire life in Pana. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years, working there from 1945-1980. Harry enjoyed playing baseball for the Pana Blues. He was also an avid stamp coin collector, and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved fishing, and after retiring, he spent his leisure time at his cabin on Pana Lake, which was his pride and joy. Harry was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana. He had also been a member of the Pana Knights of Columbus since 1961, and served as Grand Knight in 1975-1976. He also was a member of the Disabled Veterans, as well as the National Association of Letter Carriers. Harry served as the Pana Director of Civil Defense, and was a former member of the Pana Zoning Board. He married Maxine Antionette Budds on June 3, 1946 in Pana. She preceded him in death on November 24, 2006. Harry is survived by his children: Chuck Beeson fiance Brenda Klee, Pana, IL Jeanette Russell husband Larry, Robinson, IL; 6 Grandchildren: Tamara Bolinger, Chuck Batton, Stacia Morrison, Bree Beeson, Candis Beeson, Carlee Beeson; 7 Great Grandchildren: Seth, Chase, Harmony, Shelby, Blain, Tessa, Camden; sisters: Sadie Miller, Decatur, IL; Shirley Hague, Pana, IL; Sharon Bennett, Pana, IL; brother-in-law: Bill Budds. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 3 brothers: Delmar Beeson, Glen "Dick" Beeson, Thomas Beeson; sister, Norma Lebon. Funeral Information Visitation will be Friday, March 7, 2008 from 5 to 7 p.m. in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pana at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Don J. Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana with graveside military rites by VFW/American Legion/AmVets Honor Guard, Pana.