Donald James Beelick

Donald J. Beelick, age 84, of Springfield, passed away on October 1, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 16, 1942, the son of the late Lewis Beelick and his grandmother that raised him Mary Smith.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents; honorary grandparents Cornelius and Kathleen Lowe; brother, Delbert Beelick.

He is survived by his children, Andrew Beelick, Christine Beavers, Kietha (Lee) Bunch and Deanna (Rodney) Peters; grandchildren, Amanda Fair, Kala (Sergio) Quinones, Kalen Bunch, Jesse Peters, Jacob (Hayley Brown) Peters, Abbey (Jayden) Hoskins, Brevan Bunch, Natalee Peters and Addison Beelick; great-grandchildren, Sergio Quinones, Jr., Lillian Quinones, Beautiful Henderson, Keontray Franklin, Harlem Stewart, Brooklyn Stewart, J'Ontray Stewart, Queen Stewart, Cassidy Quinones and Dominic Peters; brother, Dale (Terry) Beelick; brother-in-law, Bill (Sarah) Decker; and many other loving nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Don retired from Wright State University, where he was a Philosophy Professor for over 39 years. In free time, he loved feeding the birds while at the same time trying to outsmart the squirrels. He always had a water gun on hand to chase them away from the feeders. He enjoyed traveling with family all over the world. He took up cooking in his later years. He loved comedy and he was very passionate about politics.

He took immense joy in family gatherings his favorite being the annual Easter Egg Hunt that he set up for his kids and grandkids. He would spend hours setting up the hunt...even color coding the eggs so everyone had the same amount of eggs. Don's family and his students meant the world to him and he devoted her life to all of them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of his Life will be held privately by the family.

To honor Don's memory, the family requests that those wishing to do so, may go to their local Board of Elections and register to vote and exercise that right.

"In the depths of my memories, there shines a beacon,

A father’s love, a bond that words can’t reckon.

He stands tall as the mountains, unwavering and true,

A guiding light, his presence a gift I always knew.

Through laughter and tears, he walked by my side,

A steadfast guardian, with arms open wide.

His gentle words of wisdom, like a soothing breeze,

Nurtured my soul, brought me comfort and ease.

In his eyes, I saw the reflection of my dreams,

His unwavering belief in me, like sun-kissed beams.

He taught me to weather life’s tempestuous storm,

To never lose hope, to rise up, transform.

His hands, weathered and worn, held strength untold,

Building a foundation, an empire to behold.

He toiled day and night, a tireless provider,

His love knew no bounds, a selfless confider.

In moments of triumph or when I stumbled and fell,

He’d be there to lift me, my sorrows to quell.

His quiet resilience, a testament of his might,

A pillar of strength, embracing each day and night.

Through the passages of time, his love remains,

An eternal flame, a bond that forever sustains.

Though distance may separate, our hearts intertwine,

His love, an unbreakable thread, a cherished lifeline.

So here’s to you, dear father, my guiding star,

A beacon of love, no matter how near or far.

I’m forever grateful, for all that you’ve done,

A father’s love, an everlasting song, beautifully sung."

Rohit Kalsariya