Leland Clark Beach

1941 - 2023

Leland Clark Beach, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away December 15, 2023. He was born November 7, 1941, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Helen Edith Mills Beach and Leland Kenneth Beach. After graduating from high school in London, England, he returned to the states to be near his mother's family in Indianapolis, Indiana, and to pursue his love of drumming. Lee attended Butler University for one year and transferred to Julliard School of Music for his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Science. He also has a teaching degree from Columbia University and a paralegal certificate from Tulane University. At the beginning of his career Lee performed with the Paul Lavalle's Cities Service World's Fair Band of America at the New York World's Fair. He was the original drummer for Man of La Mancha on Broadway. Lee was with his first wife Bonnie Adelson for four years. During their marriage the two of them played for the Radio Television Orchestra in Zagreb, Yougolsavia. Lee took a job with the New Orleans Symphony leaving Bonnie behind in Europe where her career flourished as did his in Louisiana. Lee soon married his second wife, Judith Martin, a singer and pianist. They were together for 19 years as Lee advanced to Principal Percussionist and Judy set up a studio to teach at home. The New Orleans Symphony closed its doors due to gross mismanagement but the orchestra members took their time and formed a member owned orchestra, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Lee met his third wife, Diane Renee Upchurch, as a co-worker at the LPO. He was the Bookkeeper and she was the Customer Relations Director. They were together for 30 years. She was with him when he took his last breath. They were surrounded by the wonderful people from Arkansas Hospice, Nurse Laura and CNA Brittany. Lee is survived by three sons, a stepson and a stepdaughter. Lee has thirteen grandchildren. Son, Anthony "Tony" Beach Capozzoli (Jullianne), Tony has two sons. Son, David Martin Beach (Yani), David has a daughter and two sons. Son Michael "Walker"Sumner Beach, Walker has three sons and one daughter. Stepson Stewart Smith has two sons, Stepdaughter Abigail (Rob) has two daughters. There will be a memorial service at Hot Springs Village, Village United Methodist Church in early summer. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.