Robert Beekman

Robert "Bob" W. Beekman, 87, formerly of Marion, Ind., and Summerfield, Fla., died Friday, November 11, 2005, (Veteran's Day) at The Oaks of Sweeten Creek, Asheville, N.C. following an extended illness. He was born on March 4, 1918, in Marion, son of the late Orville and Amanda (Myers) Beckman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Beekman, Mary Morgan, Bertha Emmons, Myrtle Ferguson and Mabel Nelson; nephews, Fred Emmons and Harold Prows; and niece, Norma (Prows) Askren. Mr. Beekman served 39 months in the Army Air Force during World War II. He was a member of the 45th Fighter Squadron, serving in the Pacific Theater and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 368. He retired from the American Electric Power of Marion after 40 years of employment. Mr. Beekman is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Delight Beekman of Carrboro, N.C.; and daughters, Joyce Beekman of Carrboro and Janna Beekman-Forst, son-in-law, Steve Forst and granddaughter, Erica Forst of Asheville; brother, Wilbur Beekman of Marion and Sun City, Fla.;niece, Betty Hussong and husband, Chuck, of Marion; niece, Wilburta McPhee and husband, Randy, of Roswell, Ga.;nephew, William Beekman and wife, Jan of Marion; and nephew, Donald Ferguson of South Padre Island, Texas. The graveside service and interment will be held at Grant Memorial Park, Marion and the Unitarian Univeralist Church of Asheville. The family would like to thank the staff of The Oaks of Sweeten Creek and Mountain Area Hospice for their care of Mr. Beekman. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 31 College Place, Suite D320, Asheville, North Carolina 28801.