Lee A. Beam
Lee Allen Beam, 78, of Charlotte, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.
A funeral was held Thursday, March 22, 2018 at City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet. Pastor Steve Byrens officiated and interment followed at Bosworth Cemetery in Walton Township.
Lee was born May 21,1939, in Nashville to Darrold and Doris Beam. He graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958 and married Martha Ann Javor on September 3, 1960, in Battle Creek. She survives. Lee worked for Battle Creek Enquirer for 35 years. He spent 20 years as the Classified Advertising Manager. He had a close working relationship, providing advertising with many of the local automotive dealerships. He joined Community Newspapers in Charlotte in 1993. In 1996 he joined the Marshall Chronicle where he served for a year and a half. After that he was a contracted employee for the marketing arm for the Michigan Press Assoc. in Lansing and provided consulting through his marketing company, Advise. In 1998 he became the fair manager for Calhoun County Fair for a five-year period before his retirement.
Lee enjoyed watching and playing sports, including basketball, baseball and football. He was especially proud of his .409 batting average in high school. He enjoyed vintage cars, especially his 1951 Ford pickup. He was an accomplished golfer who enjoyed competing in the Bellevue Golf League. He was a member of the Bellevue Conservation Club, Bellevue Lions Club, and Bellevue Historical Society where he authored several history books about the area. His faith was important to him and he enjoyed talking about his faith in Jesus Christ.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Darrold and Doris Beam; and his sister-in-law, Ellen Beam.
In addition to his wife, Lee is survived by his sons, Jack (Maria) Beam of Olivet, Joe (Julie) Beam of St. Joseph, Jerry (Chris) Beam of Bellevue, and Jeff Beam of St. Joseph; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol (Gary) Marsh of Charlotte; and brother, Doug Beam of Whittier, N.C.
Memorial contributions may be directed to City on a Hill Community Church in Olivet.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.