Elwyn Leroy Beam, 89, of Highway 274 in Vale died Friday, July 12 at the Brian Center of Lincolnton. Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 14 at 2:30, at Cedar Grove Lutheran Church. His body will lie in state for thirty minutes prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at Warlick’s Funeral Home.
Born in 1924 in Lincoln County, Elwyn was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theatre. After service, he married Barbara Jane Beam and they owned and operated Beam Lumber, together with their son, Eddy, until 1993. Elwyn continued to work on his own at the lumber plant until earlier this year. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy Lee “Bub” Beam and Clara Jenks Beam, his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and his son Eddy.
An active, lifelong member of Cedar Grove Lutheran Church in Vale, Elwyn was a part of the Choir, the Lutheran Men in Mission and his Sunday School Class. Active in politics and a member of the Lincoln County Democratic Party, Elwyn served as a County Commissioner for 16 years until 1986. Until recently, he volunteered each month as a driver for LINC Meals for over 20 years. He leaves behind his comrades in the local “Last Man Standing Club” of WWII vets, as well as his “coffee club” friends at Dan’s Superette who always saved him the favored seat at the table.
Elwyn is survived by one daughter, Loretta Beam, of Vale; his aunt, Pauline Beam; two brothers-in-law: Carl Beam and John Beam, Jr. and their families. He is also survived by his many special family-friends including the Escobars, (David, Alexandra, and Leonardo), and the Engles (Ronnie and Becky).
Elwyn and Loretta have been exceptionally blessed and profoundly thankful for the fellowship, love, and grace-filled support of their devoted church family at Cedar Grove. The family also extends its thanks to the staff of Brian Center, Lincolnton for their wonderful care and expertise throughout the last four months, and also to caregivers, Jane Workman and Tilley Willis.
Memorial gifts may be made to Cedar Grove Lutheran Church, 261 Cedar Grove Church Road, Vale, N.C., or to Christian Ministry of Lincoln County, P.O. Box 423 Lincolnton.
