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John Beetham Obituary
85, of Indianapolis, loving husband and father, passed away November 15, 2015. Son to Bill and Una Beetham, he was fascinated with aircraft from the time he was a little boy in Fennimore, WI. So much so that he earned an aeronautical engineering degree from Parks College, St. Louis University, and then served in the U.S. Air Force until 1954. He left the Air Force to work 36 years for General Motors, Milwaukee. His favorite job was collaborating with NASA on the missile and rocket programs including Gemini and Apollo. In 1973 he moved his family to Indianapolis where he continued to work for General Motors, Allison Gas Turbines until he retired in 1990. He was a Founding Member, Director, and Treasurer of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He also enjoyed woodworking and homebuilt airplanes.
John is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Shirley; children, Teri (Dan) Duncan, Jamison (Sue) Beetham, Jon (Sue) Beetham, Julane (Dan O'Brien) Beetham; grandchildren, Cody Beetham and Jens O'Brien. John is also survived by his cousin, Marnie Adams.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be given to the EAA Young Eagles Program or a charity of your choice. Friends are invited to leave online condolences for the family at www.flannerbuchanan.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Beetham
karen gaughen
November 27, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about uncle john. He was a very special man and will be truely missed. Love you all. Karen
Connie Luedtke
November 26, 2015
Shirley and family, we are thinking of you all as you gather together for the first holiday without your husband/dad. It is a difficult time going through the year of "firsts." Our prayers are with you all. Love, Connie and Scott Luedtke and all the Lunds
Connie Lund Luedtke
November 26, 2015
Reception line
Connie Lund Luedtke
November 26, 2015
John and Shirley's wedding photo
Connie Lund Luedtke
November 26, 2015
Rebecca Huston
November 20, 2015
Sincere condolences to Teri and the entire family.
Mary OBrien
November 18, 2015
Love and prayers to the family. A Mass will be said at Mary, Queen of Peace, in Danville, IN.
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