Elmer John Beidler

Elmer John Beidler, known as John, passed away December 13, 2022, in Vero Beach. He was born in Orlando on January 17, 1927, to Agnes Grace (Holt) and Elmer John Beidler, Sr.
He left Orlando High School during his senior year to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served as a hospital corpsman in the Bethesda Naval Hospital. He attended the University of Florida and earned a degree in entomology in 1950.
In 1955, he moved to Vero Beach to become the director of the Indian River Mosquito Control District, where he served the residents of the county for 48 years, focused on finding effective mosquito control methods while respecting environmental and economic concerns. A past president of the Florida Mosquito Control Association, he received that association's Maurice W. Provost Memorial Award and the Meritorious Service Award, as well as the Medal of Honor and Meritorious Service Award from the American Mosquito Control Association. In 2003, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Florida. Throughout his career, John always welcomed new ideas and enjoyed sharing knowledge and camaraderie within the entomological community. He was a friend and mentor to several generations of mosquito control workers.
A few of his activities in the local community included service as a director of the Indian River County Library, membership in the Rotary Club, donating gallons to the local blood bank, and unwavering support of the VBHS football team. An avid photographer with an eye for beauty, he was rarely without his camera and found photo opportunities wherever he went, creating an extensive portfolio primarily of the natural world. His other great love was music, and his collection of LPs and CDs ran from classical to calypso, opera to jazz, and J.S. Bach to Dire Straits.
He will be remembered for his kindness, keen intelligence, quiet generosity, and devotion to his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Iris, and is survived by his children Barbara Kendrick (Tom), Melissa Beidler, Susan Beidler, Amy Gramling (Hugh), and Grant Beidler (Renee), and grandchildren John Mistry and Cierra Iris Beidler.
Anyone wishing to remember John is welcome to donate to the charity of their choice or the John and Iris Beidler Scholarship Fund (#20932), University of Florida Foundation, PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.