Obituary of Joel F. Beeman

Joel F. Beeman, 70, of Athens, PA, while his beloved family surrounded him, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 8, 2017 following a long battle with Alzheimer's.

He was born on February 24, 1947 in Sayre, PA, the son of Francis Beeman and Ella Mae (Drake) Pautz.

Joel's passion and greatest love was his family. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He loved always being there for family, friends, and neighbors helping in any way he could no matter the circumstances. Serving during the Vietnam War in the US Army, Joel was a Purple Heart recipient. Joel was employed as a Maintenance Foreman with Craft-Master and Masonite, Towanda, PA, prior to retiring. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Joel loved doing woodworking and was an avid NASCAR fan, rooting for his favorite drivers, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. in the past. While watching TV, he loved having his loving cat, Baxter, sitting on his lap. Joel will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is predeceased his father, Francis Beeman, step-mother, Ella Jean Beeman, step-father, Philip Pautz, brother Wayne Price, sister-in-law, Linda Mullen, dear friends Bill Johnson, Don Parks, and Delbert Vaow, and his faithful loyal companions, his dogs Powder and Pooh.

Joel is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Shirley, at home, children, Elisa and Barry Craun of Port Orange, FL, Tammy Latham of Athens, PA, Doreen and Lance Fraley of Athens, PA, Kay Beeman of Waverly, NY, Joel F. Beeman II of Waverly, NY, and Tennille and Timothy Porter of Athens, PA, grandchildren, Tyler and Lauren Rought, Dylon Hawk, Ryan McCarty, Christopher McCarty, Morgan Rought, Felicia Guiles, Tanner Cantrell, Brandon Cantrell, Logan Cantrell, Alyssa Akins, Jewell Akins, Brendin Porter, Maki Fraley, and Larz Fraley, and great-grandchildren, Grady Wolcott and Aubrey Rought. He is also survived by his mother, Ella Mae Pautz of Athens, PA, sister and brother-in-law, Dorene and Craig Bleiler, sister, Frances "Fran" Beeman, Vicky and Ed Bidlack, Laurie and Ken Boll, Bonnie and Jim Morris, Karen and Art Brennan, April and Dave Walter, and Emory Goodrich, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John and Edna Mullen, Marie and Ralph Towner, Ginny and Edgar Lantz, Paul and Shirley Mullen, Esther and Ken Park, Debbie and Terry Acla, sister-in-law, Brenda Park, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 10am-12pm at the Jay E. Lowery Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at the funeral home at 12pm with the Rev. Linda Rogers officiating.

The family will provide flowers, please make memorial donations in Joel's memory to: Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848 to aid other families in their time of need, to receive excellent care and attention as their loved one was given during his illness.