Richard Beason

Richard Wallace Beason VIRGINIA BEACH - "The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants 93:36). Richard Wallace Beason exemplified the message of that inspired scripture throughout a lifetime of learning and teaching before his passing Jan. 13, 2010. Richard was born June 6, 1936 in Birmingham, Ala., to Stanley Everett and Ethel Perryman Beason. He and his elder brother were encouraged by their parents to acquire a solid education. It is a testament to Mr. and Mrs. Beason's excellent parenting that both of their sons received doctorates and utilized them in the service of others. Richard obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in 1957. He then acquired his master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1968) and his doctorate from California Coast University (1989). From an early age, Richard had a keen sense of patriotism, winning a War Bond drive in 1944 and joining the Naval Reserve in 1953. After graduation from college, Richard opted for the Marine Corps. In 1958, he married Lanis Page and was commissioned a second lieutenant. Richard served in Vietnam (1968-69) and retired as lieutenant colonel in 1978. From there, he taught communications, electronics and physics at Osbourn City high school in Manassas, Va. (1978-1984). Additionally, Richard worked at various defense contracting posts before returning to teaching and retiring definitely in 1993. During the late 1980s, Richard obtained a colonelcy in the National Guard. Richard was a lifelong fitness enthusiast and earned a fourth-degree black belt in Shodokan karate. He also enjoyed weightlifting and running and as an engineer found further fulfillment in carpentry. But, most importantly, Richard was devoted to his family. He and Lanis (deceased, 2008) joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1962 and served diligently in their faith while providing an excellent standard of Christian living for which we will always be grateful. Richard is survived by three sons, two daughters- in-law, two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter: Kenneth Martin Beason and Haline Rumery of Arden, N.C., Samuel Wallace Beason and Denisse S. Beason (daughters, Vivian Rose Beason, Vanessa Rose Beason and granddaughter Camila Rose Ziegler) of Virginia Beach, and Thomas Patrick Beason of Hollywood, Fla. Richard is also survived by his brother, Dr. Martin Stanley Beason of Broken Arrow, Okla., and a cousin, Marjorie Alexander of Birmingham, Ala. The Beason family thanks everyone at Clare Bridge Virginia Beach Estates for the compassionate, loving care they rendered to Richard. We are also grateful to Medi-Hospice for their tireless service to Dad over the past year. Prior to Richard's stay at Virginia Beach Estates, he and Lanis were lovingly assisted by Mrs. Debra Williams and Mr. Timothy Niner. We also extend our thanks to William and Dorrence Simpson, Anilda and Shawn Kilpatrick, Shirley Ray, Bill and Sandy Smith, and others who visited and cared for Richard. A private memorial service was held for Lt. Col. Beason on Jan. 15. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Cremation Society of Virginia, 5265 Providence Road, Virginia Beach.