Beaman Wisdom

Beaman Wisdom passed away peacefully at age 82 surrounded by family at his home in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Born in McMillan Oklahoma to Agnes Sockey (Ned Sockey/Arlena Phillip) and Johnson Wisdom (Lem Wisdom/Jensie Greenwood), he lived a life serving his country, the American Indian community, and family. Beaman made friends wherever he went, was a Choctaw language keeper, Chickasaw Warrior Society member, American Legion member, respected elder, Union advocate, and passionate golfer.

Beaman was born and raised in Oklahoma by his parents, his grandparents Lem and Jensie in Connerville, and his relatives Cleve and Marie Wallace of Ardmore.

He attended Plainview High in Ardmore until the 10th grade and then graduated high school from Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas May 27, 1960. There he was on the honor roll, secretary of his senior class, and a reporter for the school paper. After his Army service, he returned to graduate from a 2 year Post Graduate Business program at Haskell Institute May 25, 1966. There he was on the honor roll, sports editor for the paper, a Letterman, and President of the student body. Beaman went on to earn an Associates of Arts degree in Business at San Jose City College in January of 1973. There he was on the dean's list, the Native American Student Coordinator, and Treasurer of the Native American Club. He went on to major in Business at San Jose State University, leaving school three units short of his bachelor's degree. Beaman was a lifelong advocate for education. He famously informed his daughters no one would be allowed to marry without at least a master's degree.

Fearless and brave, Beaman was proud to be an Army soldier. He enlisted, serving June 8, 1961 to June 5, 1964. He enlisted when a local judge gave Beaman and his friends Billy Joe Porter and Jimmy Joe Wilkerson a choice of jail or military service. He went to boot camp in Fort Hood Texas (with Elvis) "Hell on Wheels." He was assigned to 2nd Armored Division Headquarters in Germany. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Commendation, and was a Sharpshooter (Rifle) and Expert (Rifle). He was honorably discharged. At his passing he was a member of the American Legion Post 136 in Marietta, Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Warrior Society. He was also a previous member of American Legion Post 6 in Prescott, Arizona.

Beaman loved to see the world and travel. With Billy Joe, he signed up for the Bureau of Indian Affairs relocation program to San Jose, California. There he began his family by marrying Patricia Charley January 31, 1967. His daughter Paula Jean was born in December 1966 followed by Wendy Sue in October 1973. In the Army, he was a clerk/typist and bartended at nights in the Officer's Club for extra money. He maintained a hard work ethic his entire life. His various job titles were security guard, property/supply clerk, shipping clerk, traffic clerk, cashier, fiscal officer, material control analyst, cost accountant, flag/sign installer, materials attendant, and police officer. Eventually, Beaman found the perfect fit at Internation Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 332 in San Jose where he was an Office Manager, then Journeyman Electrician, and finally a Union Organizer & Business Agent. He retired a lifelong "Buy American/Buy Union" advocate who never stepped foot in a Walmart.

After ensuring both daughters were educated and married away, Beaman and Patricia sold their house in San Jose and retired to Prescott, Arizona. There he had "Patsy" design her dream house which he had custom built. They began a life of travel, golf trips, and gambling destinations. They renewed their vows on Waikiki Beach and never fell out of love. Beaman always described his wife as "the prettiest Indian woman in America." Their marriage was lively with romantic daily battles about sports, who was right, and why Beaman had to golf everyday. Their marriage never had a quiet day, they were active, committed and faced hardships with resilience. Upon Patricia's passing in December of 2020, Beaman moved to Oklahoma in 2022 to live out the remainder of his days. Both Paula and Wendy moved with him to help him manage his household. He enjoyed hosting family gatherings, golfing, gambling, and more travel. Beaman had many friends through sports, he was on numerous teams for golf, basketball and softball in Indian Country, Some of his favorite organizations were the Bay Area Haskell Alumni Club, Haskell Alumni Association of Oklahoma, Bay Area Native American Golf Club, and Prescott Lakes Country Club. Beaman organized the creation of the Chickasaw Golf Club, writing the bylaws and bringing golfers together. He enjoyed living life to the fullest as everyone's "favorite uncle" and enjoyed telling his daughters "let the good times roll." dominos, cribbage, cards, and board games. Beaman always traveled with deck of cards, cribbage board, and set of dominos in his suitcase. He loved games and spirited competition.

Beaman Wisdom is survived by his children, Paula Wisdom Snow (Gary) and Wendy Wisdom; grandchildren Wesley Red Eagle Snow; greatgrandchildren Joseph Frederick, Genevieve Frederick, Jayden Frederick, Gabriella Frederick, Gage Frederick; brother Johnsey Wisdom (Louise) and Michael Wilson/Daney; twin sisters Lawanna & Yvonna Wilson; nephews Michael Wisdom (Becky), Johnsey Wisdom Jr., Russell (Matt) Wisdom, Greg McLean Waquie (Trina); nieces Arlena Braswell, Alicia Braswell, Charlene Wisdom, Dana Gardner, Chris Pelton, Stacy Wallis Patterson; and his aunt Bernice Dreadfulwater.

Beaman will be met in afterlife by his parents, wife Patricia, brother Daniel Gardner; sisters Louella Wisdom Braswell & Susanne Wilson; nephews Marc Wisdom, Adrian Braswell, Paul Gardner, Corey Gardner, Clay Gardner ; son-in-law Theron Wauneka; granddaughter Melissa Snow.

For those not able to attend, you can use the link below to view the live stream.

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