Gus Beebe, 82

Ronald Edward Beebe Sr. who was better known as Gus, age 82, passed from this earth on Thursday, November 9, 2023, and entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although his children are hurting, they are happy that he is finally reunited with the love of his life, Mary. Gus was born January 28, 1941 to Lawrence and Alice Beebe.

At the age of nine Gus developed some type of brain tumor in which part of his brain was removed. This prevented Gus from participating in sports and so he found other ways to occupy his time. As a young boy he would do just about anything to get a laugh with his best friend, Don Kirschenbauer. They had an electrical set up that would deliver an electrical shock when you grabbed the wrong door handle. Their shenanigans would continue until the police would show up and dismantle their best plans. The friendship stood the test of time as they became Uncles to each other’s children.

As a child, Gus’ parents were boarders and one of these men, Harvey, would have a monumental impact on him. Harvey taught Gus that if you needed anything done, you could do it yourself. This led Gus to become the ultimate handyman and led him to build additions on the house with his own blood, sweat, and tears. As a teenager/young adult, Gus spent a lot of time at the Long Lake Roller Rink and became friends with the owners. He would often help with the many repairs. However, the most important relationship that came out of the roller rink was the love of his life, Mary (Brandt) Beebe.

Gus and Mary were married November 20th 1965. From that time on, they became inseparable and a true model of a happy marriage. Gus always laughed and said that he was happy to get the last two words in, “Yes, dear.” Together Gus and Mary had four children and then decided to open up their home to foster care. Over the years they had 45 foster kids in and out of the home at different times. Eventually, they would adopt 8 of those children and raise 12 children in all. Although the money was never in abundance, they exposed their kids to amazing vacations and adventures including Gus’ favorite place, Florida. Their house was a safe haven for some and the place you never wanted to leave for others. Gus was always determined to give back to others. He would often come home after a long hot day of work and open up the pool for his children and any other neighbor kids who wanted to swim. He truly had a heart for the service of others.

Although many people would give him the credit for being an outstanding man and father, Gus always said it was because of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Early in his relationship with Mary, Gus accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His desire to learn more about God led him to enroll in Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music where he graduated in 1979. During this time, he was working full-time and raising three children. Upon graduation, Gus used this knowledge and his childhood experiences to minister to children and pre-teens. His favorite group was teaching middle school boys. His desire was that children would come to know Christ at a young age and remain faithful to God throughout their life.

Gus Beebe was preceded in death by his wife Mary (Brandt) Beebe, parents Lawrence Edward and Alice (Downey) Beebe, siblings Margaret (Bud) Martens, Shirley (Quincy) Sharp, Patty (Harold) Noel, Betty (Ferris) Harper, Lawrence Beebe, and Sandy Beebe; two daughters Dawn and Amber, one granddaughter Destiny Beebe. Gus is survived by his brother Carl(Irene) Beebe of Vicksburg, ten children Tena (Rod) Bartholomew of Belding, MI, Ron Beebe Jr of Vicksburg, Michelle Perez of Port Huron, Patty(Randy) Graham of Almont, MI, Don(Kyeong) Beebe of Kalamazoo, Tom(Jenny) Beebe of Palatine, IL, Ralph(Tammy) Beebe of Mendon, Sherri(Jeremiah) Coe of Portage, Veronica Mickaels of Blue Island, IL, and Howard, 21 grandchildren, one great grandchild, many nieces and nephews.

Visitation (10am) and Service (12 noon) will be held at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene in Vicksburg on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023.

Arrangements by Eickhoff Funeral Home.