Kenneth Madison Beam

Colonel Kenneth Madison Beam, US Army (Retired)
Colonel Kenneth Madison Beam, US Army, Retired, 78, of Fayetteville, NC, passed into eternal life on April 6, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Marie, of 54 years; sons, Kenneth Beam Jr. of Fayetteville, NC and Phil Marvais of Raleigh, NC; daughter, JoAnn Christian and husband Tasso of Alexandria, VA; sisters, Cheryl Poole of Prescott Valley, AZ, Beverly Jones and husband Mike of San Diego, CA, Melinda Williams of Camdenton, MO; grandchildren, Christina Sidney and husband Kevin of Arlington, VA and Elaina Christian of Severn, MD.
Kenneth was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 18, 1943, to Naval Officer Marion Beam and wife, Sally. Although his youth was spent living with his family on naval bases throughout the United States, the "Army" became his military service of choice when he enlisted to serve his country on May 13, 1967.
Colonel Kenneth Madison Beam, US Army (Retired), was a distinguished combat veteran whose service to his country spanned more than 25 years on active duty. Following Officer Candidate School, Lieutenant Beam served combat tours in Vietnam with the 5 th Special Forces Group from 1969-1970. As a Captain and Major, Kenneth Beam served in combat support and combat service support roles between 1970-1985 while assigned to Fort Bragg, NC; Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD; Yongsan, South Korea; and Kaiserslautern, Germany. In 1986-1987, Lieutenant Colonel Beam commanded the 782 nd Maintenance Battalion, 82 nd Airborne Division. In 1988-1990, Colonel Beam served as the 18 th Airborne Corps G-4 and the Joint Task Force South J4 during OPERATION JUST CAUSE in Panama. From 1990-1992, he commanded Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania prior to his military retirement in 1992. Following his retirement from the Army, he resided in Fayetteville, NC continuing his military affiliation while serving as the Digital Training Manager for Ft. Bragg, NC.
He was a true American patriot who received highest honors while serving his country. His military awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2 nd Award), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (3 rd Award), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/4 Bronze Stars), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge (w/ Palm) and Senior Parachutist Badge.
His dedication to his beloved wife, his three children, and his adored grandchildren who loved him "To the Moon and Back" was his primary focus in life. During his leisure time, however, he could be spotted on the links playing a round of golf while enjoying the deeply rooted friendships he had established through the years.
Kenneth Beam certainly lived a life of selfless service to his country, to his family, and to his friends. His generosity of heart to those who were privileged to know him was truly immeasurable and he will be incredibly missed by those who love him dearly.