John Richard Beam, 76

John Richard Beam, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Creston on Sept. 21, 2011.

John was born on Dec. 6, 1934, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Nola and Barney Beam. At age 15, he moved to Shreveport, La., where he met his wife, Vila.

John worked as a switchman/conductor for the Union Pacific Railroad in Shreveport for 41 years. He had a strong work ethic and at times held down two jobs.

John loved his family, and he made any gathering a memorable event. He made friends everywhere he went, and his enthusiasm, zeal and fun-loving attitude was contagious to everyone he met.

John was a man of great faith in God and always strived to do the best he could. He was known for his kind heart and compassion for those less fortunate. He had a deep love for animals, especially his Yorkie and special friend, Reece, and his much-loved pet cat, Socrates.

John enjoyed nature, hunting, reading, raising cattle and travel. He was an artistic person and had a special talent for knife making.

He traveled extensively overseas and visited 18 European countries with his family. He especially enjoyed his travels in Greece, Turkey and Israel, and felt privileged to have been baptized in the Jordan River. He instilled a spirit of travel and adventure in his family and took them on many vacations to the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and western Canada. The memories of those trips will always be a special gift to his wife, daughters, nieces and nephews.

John will be greatly missed by his family.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Vila Worsham Beam; daughters, Debbie Allen of Creston, and Karen Stephens and son-in-law Ed Stephens of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandsons, Matthew Eschenfelder and Joshua Allen; sister, Evelyn Wolfe; brother, Alfred Beam; and several nieces and nephews, including Linda Tanner, Gary Worsham, Tommy Worsham, and Billy and Kay Worsham; and special sister-in-law, Arlena Worsham.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Doris; and brother, Bob.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for John's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view John's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.