Donald Beam

"Don" E. Beam, 94 years of age, died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Kan. He was born Feb. 22, 1927, in Esbon, Kan., to Harold and Nina (Silsby) Beam. He graduated from Esbon High School in the Class of 1946.

Don served in the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged. On March 7, 1948, he married Doris Lee "Queen" in Mankato. To this union, four children were born Sheila, Cynthia, Brenda, and Brian. Doris preceded Don in death on Sept. 27, 1984.

He later married Dona D. Ost on April 4, 1987. She preceded him in death on June 1, 2015.

Don owned and operated a Conoco filling station; he worked as a mechanic for the Chevrolet dealership; and handled appliance repair at Simmons Furniture Store, all of Smith Center, Kan. He later became the owner operator of Beam Ambulance Service in Smith County, Kan.

He enjoyed woodworking, going to the lake, children and babies, playing cards, dancing and especially traveling, having visited all 50 states. One of Don's greatest joys in life was helping others.

Don was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, a past member of the Smith Center American Legion before transferring to Glen Elder, the Boy Scouts of America where he served as scout master in Smith Center.

He is survived by his four children, Sheila Caspers (Gary), Concordia, Kan .; Cynthia Poland, Conway, Ark., Brenda Wolters, Kearney, Neb., Brian Beam (Raeleene), Beloit; stepson, Kim Ost (Wendy), Mankato; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Beth Adamson, Venice, Fla .; and brother, Johnny Beam (Thelma), Esbon.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Doris; second wife, Dona; parents, Harold and Nina; step-sons, Kirk and Kendall Ost; son-in-law, Chris Wolters; and sister, Betty Fogo.

A graveside service was held at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 8, 2021 at the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kan., with Pastor Jim Rice officiating. Military honors were conducted by the Big Red One of Ft. Riley, and the Burr Oak Emory Clemons Post 263 and Esbon Perry A. Lamb 368 American Legion.

Visitation was held from 1 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 7, at the Melby Mortuary with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Esbon Community Center in care of the Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kan., 66956. For online condolences, please visit http://www.melbymortuary.com.