Donald "Don" E. Beam

Donald “Don” E. Beam, 94 years of age, passed away Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Mitchell County Hospital, Beloit, Kansas.  He was born February 22, 1927 in Esbon, Kansas to Harold and Nina (Silsby) Beam.

He graduated from Esbon High School in the class of 1945.

Don served in the United States Army during WWII and was honorably discharged.

On March 7, 1948 he married Doris Lee “Queen” in Mankato, Ks. To this union four children were born Sheila, Cynthia, Brenda, and Brian.  Doris preceded Don in death on September 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 Conoco Filling Station; he worked as a mechanic for the Chevy Dealership; and handled appliance repair at Simmons Furniture Store, all of Smith Center, KS. He later became the owner operator of Beam Ambulance Service in Smith County, Kansas.

He enjoyed woodworking, going to the lake, kids 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, KS.

He is survived by his four children, Sheila Caspers (Gary), Concordia, KS; Cynthia Poland, Conway, AR, Brenda Wolters, Kearney, NE, Brian Beam (Raeleene), Beloit, KS; step-son, Kim Ost (Wendy), Mankato, KS; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Beth Adamson, Venice, FL; brother, Johnny Beam (Thelma), Esbon, KS.

He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Doris, 2nd wife, Dona, parents, Harold and Nina, step-sons, Kirk and Kendall Ost, son-in-law, Chris Wolters; sister, Betty Fogo.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Esbon Cemetery, Esbon, Kansas with Pastor Jim Rice officiating. Military honors will be 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 will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021 from 1-8 p.m. at the Melby Mortuary with the family receiving friends from 5-7 pm.

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