Eugene Edward "Gene" Beasley

Eugene Edward "Gene" Beasley of Springfield, MI

Gene, age 90, died on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Pineview of Battle Creek, MI with his loving family at his side.

Gene, the son of Chester and Florence (Austgen) Beasley, was born in Marion, Indiana on September 27, 1929. He grew up in Indiana and was a 1947 graduate of Dyer (IN) High School. Gene received his master's degree in speech from Ball State University in 1963. He served his Country honorably and nobly in the U.S. Navy as Yeoman Third Class during the Korean War 1948-53 aboard the USS St. Paul, and received Korean Service, United Nations, China Service and Good Conduct ribbons. Gene's first teaching job was at Dowagiac, then Indianapolis; and was employed at Harper Creek Schools until retiring in 1985, after 27 years as an educator. During that period, he taught Driver's Education. After retiring he was a substitute teacher for a several area school districts.

Gene was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where he enjoyed singing in the choir. He enjoyed running and earned numerous medals in his age group in various lengths, including winning a 10K. Gene enjoyed woodworking and made 3-dimensiontional wood replicas of his children's homes. He sang in Community Chorus and his highlight was "Make We Merry." He directed and choreograph all the plays and dramas at Harper Creek High School

Gene was united in marriage to the former Rosemary Ann "Rosie" Blume on August 16, 1956 in Marion, IN and she sadly preceded him in death August 17, 2017. Surviving are his children, Carol (Bob) Cornwell of Jamestown, OH; Angela Beasley of Baltimore, MD; Martha "Marti" (Patrick) Samsel of Mason, MI and Paul (Dagmar) Beasley of Westminster, CO; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Rose Marie Bryant and Susie Finley, both of Grandbury, TX and a brother, Jim (Ann) Beasley of Naperville, IL. Gene was also preceded in death by two sons, Carl E. Beasley on October 17, 2017 and Joseph E. Beasley on December 28, 1995; his parents and a brother, Larry Beasley.

Gene's family will greet friends on Sunday, December 15th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, 92 Capital Avenue, NE, Battle Creek with Father Robert Johansen, Celebrant. Family and friends will continue Gene's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the Mass in St. Philip Parish Center. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI, with the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gene's honor may be directed to Child-Abuse Prevention of Calhoun County, 36 West Manchester, Battle Creek, MI 49037. Personal messages may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com