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Willard Beynon Obituary
Born in Scranton, son of the late Richard and Nell Beynon, he retired from the Scranton Police Department in 1989 as captain and training officer after 42 years of service. He started the department's first SWAT team, bomb squad and dive team. He was a security consultant for Charmin Paper Products at Mehoopany for 38 years, retiring in 2007. Willard also served as civil defense director for Lackawanna County from 1957 to 1976. He was a 1940 graduate of Scranton Technical High School, a graduate of King's College and the State Police Academy, Hershey.
During World War II, Willard served as a master sergeant intelligence officer in the OCS in a newly created unit, the Jedburghs, the most intensely secret warriors of World War II, working in three-man teams parachuted behind enemy lines in the Netherlands and France. After the liberation of Europe, he volunteered to serve in the China, Burma and India campaigns in special forces. He received three Bronze Stars with Oak Leaf Clusters among other medals and ribbons. He was presented the Bronze Oak Leaf and British Campaign Star by the British government and the Dutch Resistance Cross by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. He was featured in several books written about the Jedburghs after the war.
He was a member of Embury United Methodist Church, E.B. Jermyn Lodge FOP, Hyde Park Lodge 339 F&AM and the Keystone Consistory.
The family wishes to extend its thanks to Mary Solomon, Drs. Willey, Moorandino, Eagen and Getts, Mercy Hospital, Care Givers of America and Mercy Home Health and Hospice for the care given their loved one.
Surviving are a daughter, Linell Donahue, Scranton; a son, Richard Beynon and wife, Debbie, Middletown, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Brian Donahue and wife, Diane, Scranton, and their children, Matthew, Noah and Emily; and Tim Donahue and wife, Nicole, Florida, and their child, Tristian.
The funeral will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Davies and Jones Funeral Chapel Inc., 135 S. Main Ave., by the Rev. Dr. William Lewis, retired Methodist clergyman and nephew, Dallas. Interment, Fairview Memorial park, Elmhurst. Friends may call Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. Masonic services, 7:30.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willard Beynon
Lt. Jeff Mackie (Retired SPD)
February 10, 2021
Rest in God’s Peace, my old friend, until we meet again......
Will & Diane Jackson
February 10, 2020
Remembering Uncle Buddy during this time. We miss him and think of him & Aunt Rachel quite often. Grateful for the wonderful memories with them.
Don Davis, MD
March 1, 2011
Rich,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your heroic father. You should be very proud of his devotion to family and country.
February 26, 2011
Rich,
Sorry for your loss. I remember your Dad as one of the first to start up ERT/SERT teams for local police departments in Pennsylvania. He spent many a day training with the team at Fort Indiantown Gap. He lived a life of service to his country, state and community that is second to none.
You can be proud of his many accomplishments.
Dave Newhard
MAJ(ret)
Counterdrug Operations Officer
Fort Indiantown Gap
Susan Jenkins
February 20, 2011
Dear Linell and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much you will miss him, he was a wonderful man. Sincerely Susan Jenkins
Dolores Childress
February 19, 2011
I worked with Capt. Beynon for quite a while when he was the consultant for Security at Procter & Gamble. He was such a nice man, and I'm sure his family will miss him tremendously.
Will & Diane Jackson
February 17, 2011
Linell & Richard & family,
Diane & I send our deepest sympathy to you all. Uncle Buddy always had a huge smile & a great story of his many accomplishments & endeavors in his service to our Country. We will miss him greatly. You are all in our prayers, Love, Will & Diane
February 17, 2011
I HAD THE EXTREME PLEASURE OF NOT ONLY WORKING WITH HIM, BUT TO HAVE WALKED IN HIS SHADOW AND CALLED HIM MY FRIEND. HE WAS AN AMERICAN HERO AND ONE OF MY HEROS. HE WILL LIVE FOR EVER IN THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY AND IN THOSE WHO KNEW HIM. MY DEEPEST REGRETS MIKE HOBAN
February 17, 2011
Captain, RIP. As my great uncle, your brother, your service is noted and apprecaited.
Ken
Leonor Serfass
February 17, 2011
Dear Linell, Richard and families I was very sorry to see of Buddy's passing online. Dad, Mom, Chip and I send our deepest condolences to the entire family. Another one of "Our Greatest Generation" has left us. Buddy, I want to thank you for your dedicated service to our country. You will be greatly missed. I cherish my memories of you as does my Dad (your cousin). With our deepest sympathy. Love, Charles, Ann, Chip Beynon and Leonor Beynon Serfass
February 17, 2011
Dearest Linell and family, I was very sorry to see Buddy's obituary online. Mom, Dad, Chip and I send our deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace. Another member of the "Greatest Generation" has left us. Buddy- Thank you for your service to this country. Love, Leonor Beynon Serfass
Msg. E8 Ret. Gene E. & Lillian James Johnson
February 16, 2011
Linell & Richard,
We wish to express our sympathy in the loss of your Father. Bud Beynon was faithful to his Family, Community & Country & he was loved by many. Bud & Rachel were always there for my parents, the late Edward & Sadie James, & our family. May he rest in peace.
Percival family
February 16, 2011
captain to me, mr beynon to her, buddy to the kids. a man of true honor and integrity, a pleasure to know for such a short time. thanks for all you have done for us and our future, you taught us, we listened...always with you captain
Master Sergant Willard Beynon
Bill Best
February 16, 2011
It was an honor to meet you in 2006! You are my hero and one of the best of the greatest generation!
A Tribute to T. Sgt. Willard W. "Bud" Beynon
John Beach
February 16, 2011
Our sincere condolences to the Beynon Family. Bud and I talked about his Jedburgh missions and he helped me to understand more about his Team Clarence CO, Capt. Arie D. Bestebreurtje, whom I know in the 1950's. Bud said he was the bravest man he ever knew. I must say Bud was one too. He spoke highly of his comrades, a true trooper. Our country will never forget you for what you did to preserve our Peace.
Tears will soon dry up and allow rivers of wonderful memories to forth flow forever and ever.
God Bless you.
John H. Beach
Trent Colan
February 16, 2011
Linell,
My sincere condolences to you and family on the passing of your dad. Many memories of living next to you on W. Elm St.
Glenn Lewis
February 16, 2011
Rich and Linell,
So sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of growing up on Elm Street and enjoying many hours at your house with your Dad. He truly defines "America's Greatest Generation." With deepest sympathy.
February 16, 2011
Please accept our since and heartfelt sympathies. We were so very sorry to hear about Buddy's passing. Neighbors for so many, many years, he was an icon on our street. He will surely be missed.
Thinking of you all,
Bob & Dorothy Edmondson and family
Don & Candice Jenkins
February 16, 2011
Linell, Brian & Tim,
We're very sorry for your loss. Uncle Buddy was a great man and will be missed.
Thinking of you.
Don & Candy
February 16, 2011
Willard was a most dedicated,conscientious and competent Police Officer. He excelled in training fellow officers to fulfill their responsibilities. His love for country was unmatched.In all respects he was an outstanding gentleman. We offer our thanks for your unselfish service to your country and to the citizens of Scranton. Paul Durkin-Former Police Chief
February 16, 2011
Rich,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father left quite a legacy. Take care.
Sandy Caine, APD
Cathy Bender
February 16, 2011
We're so sorry for your loss. Christian and I are thinking of you.
Jack Lewis
February 16, 2011
Rich and Linell,
My sympathy to you and your families.
Lt. Jeff Mackie (Retired)
February 16, 2011
Willard was a good man. Not too long ago we both stood in line at the deli (letting others go ahead of us) at Gerrity's Market and talked for atleast 40 minutes about the Scranton Police Department and law enforcement in general. Willard was a great inspiration to me in my early years as a police officer. He was one of the rare first to use hands-on training vs just standing in front of the classroom. Willard always had words of wisdom for me during my career as I'm sure he had for other young officers. I loved hearing his stories about serving our country and his experiences as a police officer. Willard had no use for phony people and would let them know it. He was a gentleman; a well rounded, educated and respected man. I will miss our encounters, but will never forget him. Rest in peace, my brother, you're in good hands. You have earned your place among the heavens. Your teachings will never fade and your service to our country will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, your tour has ended.
Donald Decker
February 16, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
luv you
February 16, 2011
rip captain
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