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BORN
1953
DIED
2020
R. Beeson Obituary
1953 - 2020
NILES, MI -
R Mark Beeson, the founding pastor of Granger Community Church, always planned on meeting up with friends and family in Heaven. He went to that reunion on December 17, 2020, after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mark was the son of Reginald Max and Arah Wandah (Fouts) Beeson and grew up in Greenfield, Indiana. His brother, Matt (Linda) Beeson and sister, Becky (Joel) Hunter were his lifelong best friends.
In the summer of 1976, Mark married the love of his life, Sheila McNichols. They were married for 44 years and raised three children: Amber, married to Ryan Cox, Aaron, married to Tracy (Frost) Beeson, and Angela, married to John Keim. He adored each of his eight grandchildren: Ruby, Clara and Charlie Cox; Fisher and Ford Beeson; Lydia, Norah, and Audrey Keim.
Mark had countless degrees, awards, accolades, and accomplishments, but he never cared about any of those things. It was his charisma and care for others that drew people to him. Even on his darkest days he wanted to encourage, to help, to tell someone how much they mattered to God. Mark's favorite Bible verse was John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” And that's the way he lived. He was only 67, but lived so fully it was as if he'd lived to be 100.
He loved calling out the best in those around him, whether they were in their 90s or in second grade. There was an especially soft spot in his heart for middle school students. He spent a week at middle school camp every summer for 49 years. He really wanted to make it an even 50, so it's safe to assume he will be hosting middle school camp in Heaven this summer.
Mark's hilarious stories were just one of the things that made him so magnetic and relatable. His self-deprecating humor, combined with his brilliant wit and comedic timing, made him remarkably entertaining whether he was around the breakfast table with five people or preaching to thousands.
He was an artist, he loved to draw and had handwriting worthy of being made into a font.
He was a photographer, stating, “If you don't take the picture you won't have the picture.”
He loved nature and had unending, detailed knowledge about animals.
He was an outdoorsman, often testing his survival skills with large animal encounters (and that one time he got stranded in a storm in Alaska for 14 days).
He often said, “Attitude is everything. We can't control what happens, but we can control how we react to what happens.” That's why, when he was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, he didn't spend his time fighting death, but doubled down to squeeze more life out of this ridiculously short time we have.
His family can't wait to join him in Heaven, where they will be reunited with the man who made everyone brave enough to take night hikes without a flashlight.
Due to COVID-19, funeral services will be private. The celebration of his life will be available to view online, streaming on Sunday, December 20 at 4 p.m. on Facebook, YouTube, and live.grangerchurch.com. (And available afterwards on demand at grangerchurch.com.)
In lieu of flowers, consider sending a kid to camp. Memorial contributions may be made to Granger Community Church for camp scholarships, by texting “Camp” to 574.575.4114 or giving online.
To send private condolences to the family, please visit McGannHay.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Beeson
Tom Butler
December 26, 2020
Sheila,
Tom Butler here; yes from nearly 50 years ago. I recently found out about Mark and wanted to express my sincere condolences. From the obituary I know you have decades of great memories to to reflect on, to help you move forward in your recovery and healing. What a life well-lived. All the best, and my prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Blessings.
Verna
December 20, 2020
I loved how Mark thought! From the beautiful church
Grounds, a place to see the beauty God had created, with
Bird feeders and a place to stop and pray and praise our creator. From the thousands of prayers written on the floors of the church, that is timeless and a great foundation to build on. Making kids a priority in the church, right down to the heated toddler room floors. I loved The pictures of the children of GCC On the walls down stairs. I loved that he journaled, and drew pictures, he was so creative. He was so talented, he could have had so many different careers,
But he chose to do what God called him to do, and he did it so well! So thankful for his life and the lessons he taught.
One thing our family learned from Paster Mark was...
When something goes wrong, one of us or all of us will say
“Well we’re just making memories” (as Mark would say)
what a great attitude! What a life well lived!
A wonderful example of a husband, father, and servant of the most high God! Thank you to his family for serving with him. Two is better then one, and a family working together is better then Two. May God bless you and comfort you in
This time of morning.
Our prayers will be with you!
With love and appreciation ,
The Laskowski family
He will be missed!
Debie Switalski
December 19, 2020
Thank you for all your messages about Jesus. I miss your stories. I miss your humor. You touched my heart and soul. Lifting Sheila and the entire family in prayer that you have peace and comfort during this sad time of loss.
Don and Leanna Vite
December 19, 2020
With heartfelt gratitude, Leanna and I share the fondness untold thousands have toward Mark and Sheila. Having known the Beeson's since 1990 when we began our marriage worshiping with them at GCC, they have been mentors in so many ways to my family and me both in direct engagement and as bystanders. Because of Mark's leadership and constant encouragement to love well and walk with Jesus, his modeling and example has been a huge influence on our family, and with gratitude we have withstood the trials and tests of life and continue to make Christ the foundation. We look forward to heaven and can't help but recall all the times Mark would comment from the platform about one day when we will be in front of Jesus. Wow! We will see you in eternity friend! Prayers and peace Sheila and family!
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Jamie Yoder
December 19, 2020
Thank you for sharing God's love with so many people. We all miss you down here, buy I know you are reveling in your many reunions in heaven.
Steve Stogdill
December 19, 2020
Mark was such a mentor in my life AND STILL IS. I always stood in awe knowing I was looking a once in a lifetime heart in the eye with every chat we'd have, chuckles, shared some coffee sips, had a few burgers together, and talked about family, goals, and dreams. Mark had prayers that I knew were a pipeline to Heaven; he prayed for me...ME! He prayed for my family; he prayed with my Dad on my Dad's last days....he words that day are carved in my mind and still bring me comfort this 20 yrs later. I see a strength in his family....to say I'm impressed isn't a powerful enough expression. Mark took me to lunch and we discussed a dream goal I had....he said, "why not, and why not now?".....I know he prayed...I'm living that dream today still. Mark had a worldwide impact; he was called upon by big names...long ago he traveled to the top of a mountain in South Korea with slips of paper of prayers collected at offertory for the purpose of praying every request with that pastor atop that mountain....Mark made a difference in people. He made me feel like the most important person on his mind when we'd chat....he cared sincerely, he loved...I am honored to have had this man in my life and he will be soooo missed. Thankfully, I'll get to see him again someday.
Linda Moritz McClanahan
December 19, 2020
I was one of the first small groups that met to worship in the movie theater. So grateful to have raised my children in this church. Lifeline was so important and taught my children About Jesus.
Sheryl DeLuca
December 19, 2020
Other than my own father, no one has made such a positive impact in my life. In a room of thousands, Mark spoke to me. He inspired, he empathized, he provided tough love and he share unforgettable stories. A life well lived. You made a difference Pastor Mark.
Sincerest condolences to the Beeson family
Pamela Valentine-Wilson
December 19, 2020
Pastor Mark was a wonderful man and teacher. I always enjoyed listening to his sermons and funny stories. I along with the whole GCC family will forever miss him.
My condolences and prayers to his family.
Pamela Valentine-Wilson
scott lindsey
December 19, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Edward S. Baiz Jr.
December 19, 2020
I will miss him at the GCC. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. I know he is in heaven.
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