David E. Beebe

David Ephraim Beebe, age 85, died peacefully on June 30, 2023, at Midland Care Hospice House in Topeka, KS. He was born at home in St. Charles, MO to Ralph and Mary (Yerby) Beebe on August 17, 1937. David graduated from St. Charles High School in 1956 and then joined the Air Force.

He married Marie Elena (Weir) Beebe on May 19, 1961, in Albuquerque, NM. They were married for 47 years. He was very proud of his two children, Marjorie and Robert. The family lived in Germany, Japan, and several states over the years. He loved watching his six wonderful grandchildren grow up and enjoyed their successes.

David never met a stranger. He enjoyed talking to people and was quick to make a friend. He had a truly kind heart and was very generous with his family and friends. David was a life-long St. Louis Cardinals fan, an avid stamp and coin collector, and the family genealogist.

David lived at Thornton Place, an independent living community, for the last several years. During that time, he led Wii Bowling, called Bingo, drove friends to appointments, played pinochle and bridge, and participated in many other activities. He was kind and generous with the other residents and a friend to all. He led a bible study weekly in the last four years. He typed up a handout, presented a lesson, and had a robust attendance. He took the role seriously and always prepared ahead; lessons were sent out when he was ill and after his death for another week.

David proudly and honorably served in the US Air Force for six years, and then the US Army for 22 years. He served in Vietnam 1968-69. He retired as an E-8 in 1984.

David went to college after his military career and at the age of 50 he graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He taught Special Education K-12 in Baton Rouge, LA., and San Antonio, TX. He retired from his second career in 2004.

David was a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason for 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marie Beebe, son Robert Beebe, son-in-law Bradley Schifman, daughter-in-law Brenda Beebe-McWhirter, brother-in-law Mark Roman, brothers Darrill Beebe and Richard Beebe.

David is survived by his daughter Dr. Marjorie Beebe (Topeka, KS); six grandchildren, Hannah Schifman (Brooklyn, NY), Abby Schifman (Okinawa, Japan), Aaron Schifman (Lawrence, KS), Eve Schifman (Lawrence, KS), Lauren Beebe (San Antonio, TX), and Katherine Beebe (San Antonio, TX); sister-in-law Connie Beebe; siblings, Gerald (Joyce) Beebe and Nancy Roman; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

David will be very deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

There will be a celebration of David’s life and burial with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Charles, MO at a later date. He will be buried next to his wife and son.