Thomas W. Beld

Beld, Lt. Col. Thomas W., US Army (Ret.)
age 75, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at his home in Chandler, Arizona. Tom was born to Mary and John Beld in Riverside, California, enlisted in the Army in 1953, and received his commission in 1964. His 25 years of active duty included overseas assignments in Korea, Viet Nam, and Germany, and stateside assignments in California, Georgia, and Illinois. Following his retirement in 1978, he served for ten years in the California National Guard as director of Project Impact, an educational opportunity program. A true servant-leader, Tom's professional life was marked by integrity, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to develop the gifts and talents of others. When "at ease," he was a master craftsman in restoring antique furniture and classic Mustangs, an engaging storyteller, and an eternal optimist on the golf course. Tom leaves a legacy of Christian faith and deep love to his wife Cathy; daughter Jo Beld and son-in-law Tim Delmont; son Randall McAtee-Beld and daughter-in-law Christie McAtee-Beld; daughter Kathleen Dyer and son-in-law David Dyer; stepdaughter Ann Moen Nachtigall; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother, one sister, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Ruth (Cowman) Beld; his stepson, Timothy Moen; and his parents, three brothers and three sisters. A service of remembrance and committal with full military honors will be held at noon on Friday, May 27, 2011 in the Riverside National Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends at the home of Dare and Dean Alexander. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Lung Association (http://www.lungusa.org/) or to Army Emergency Relief (http://www.aerhq.org/).