Allen  Beecher

CLERGY
Rev. Jonathan Vehar
MUSIC
Organist ~ Jan Kocer
Soloist ~ Ron Suess
“Because He Lives”
Soloist ~ Amelia Matthaei
“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”
Congregational Hymns
“Beyond the Sunset”
“Amazing Grace”
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Allen’s Granddaughters
CASKETBEARERS
Aaron Matthaei
Jeff Vanorny
Jeremy Vanorny
Paul Barendt
David Barendt
Benjamin Seely
Bradley Seely
Allen Ward Beecher was born on Wednesday, March 23, 1921 in Ipswich, South Dakota to Ira and Marguerite (Gunn) Beecher.  After graduating from Scotland High School in 1939, Allen attended two winter sessions of Agricultural school before he enlisted in the Army.  After serving his country, Allen returned home and began farming.  In 1946, he married Pearl Gibbon in Vermillion.  Pearl and Allen were blessed with seven children.  He continued to farm until 1970. From 1970 until his retirement in 1984, Allen worked at the Scotland Cheese Plant.  In 1988, Allen was married to Mary Lou Tyner in Scotland.
Allen loved to drive through the countryside checking on how the farmers were doing.  He enjoyed reading, walking, and traveling and wintered in Texas for a few years.  Allen was lifelong member of the Presbyterian church serving as trustee, elder, Sunday school teacher and superintendent and held several offices in the local and district Presbyterian Mariners Club.  He was also a proud member of the Scotland VFW, Historical (museum) Society, and Cass Rural School Board.  Allen also served his community by volunteering as a driver for Meals and Wheel and for local individuals who needed transportation to doctor appointments.
Allen is survived by his wife Mary Lou; seven children: Carol (Don) Matthaei of Emery, James (Kiew) Beecher of Yankton; Janice (Mike) Barendt of Morris, Il, Ray (Kathy) Beecher of Scotland, Shirley (Ken) Seely of Sioux City, IA, Beverly Norris of Sherman, TX, and Joy (Verlyn) Vanorny of Lesterville;  twelve grandchildren: Amanda Matthaei, Melissa (Mike) Peterson, Aaron Matthaei, Jeff (Sarah) Vanorny, Paul Barendt, David Barendt, Jeremy (Stacey) Vanorny, Amelia Matthaei, Benjamin Seely, Bradley (Alicia) Seely, Amy Vanorny, and Angeline Nicole Norris; nine great-grandchildren; two step-children: Bob (Alice) Taylor in Van Alstyne, TX, Sandra (Pat) Gaydusek of LaVista, NE; three  step-granddaughters: Jenny (Chris) Mawson, Angela (Jason) Langenfelds, and Sara (Ben) Barada; and sister Hazel Vesely of Scotland.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Marguerite, his first wife Pearl, step-granddaughter Kelly Taylor and two brothers: Chester and Warren Beecher.