Robert Oren Beers

Robert Oren Beers, long time York resident, attorney and former state senator, died peace fully at his home Saturday, October 8, 2005, at the age of 89. He was born February 29 (leap day), 1916, in Scranton, to parents, Fred Elias and Mazie Davis Beers. He met his wife of 64 years, Edith May Close Beers, in Dalton, and they raised four children, John Beers, Jane Gervais, Suzanne Feaster and Elizabeth (Libby) Long in their home of over 50 years. Mr. Beers graduated from Bucknell University in 1938 and attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1941. He served in the U.S. Naval Intelligence Division during WWII which took him to Staten Island, N.Y., San Diego, Calif., Hawaii and Guam. Following his service, he settled in York and worked in the legal department of the York Corporation (York International) until 1949 when he began his private practice and became a member of the York County Bar Association. He was a partner in the law firm of Fisher, Ports, May, Beers and Blakey, later known as Anderson, Ports, May and Beers. Since 1991 he was of counsel at Blakey, Yost, Bupp and Rausch until his retirement in 2003. In the late 1960's he bought a farm in Springfield Township. Bob loved to walk here with his many dog companions, Duke, Mark, Luke, Heyboy, Skipper, Hobo and Rusty. The farm and surrounding lands have become home to two of his children and one grandchild and over the decades has become a family gathering place. Mr. Beers was a member of many civic and local organizations throughout his life. He served as Prothonotary of York County from 1952 to 1956 and was a Pennsylvania State Senator from 1964 to 1970. He was also a member of the American Legion for 61 years, Lions Club, VFW, Masons, Rotary Club, York County Republican Committee, Izaak Walton League and the Boy Scouts of American. He was a long-standing member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served a term as Deacon and taught the Niles Bible Class. Bob was a long time member of the York Country Club where, in 2001, he and Edie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. During his career he enjoyed lunch and conversation at the Lafayette Club and the Yorktowne. He loved telling stories, arguing his viewpoints and reading (especially history). He traveled with his wife and family as often as possible, especially to Arizona and Montana, where he rode horses, hiked and wore his favorite hat and vest. Mr. Beers is survived by his wife; children and their spouses, Jane and John Gervais, Suzanne and David Feaster, John and Laurie Beers and Elizabeth and Steven Long; his grandchildren and their spouses, Paul Gervais, Danielle and Oscar Sodani, Alex Benica, Erika and Kristin Beers, Jaimie and Scott Long and Matthew and David Feaster; and one great-grandson, Theo Adalberto Sodani. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 22, 2005, at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Market St., York, followed by a reception at the church. The John W. Keffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt. Rose Ave., York, is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Crispus Attucks, 605 S. Duke St., York, PA 17403; the York Rescue Mission, 367 W. Market St., York, PA 17405; or to the SPCA, 66 Big Mount Road, Thomasville, PA 17364. www.kefferfh.com