Ralph Beam

April 28, 1919 - May 18, 2016

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Ralph Faye Beam, 97, of Lizton passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Homewood Health Campus in Lebanon. Ralph was born on April 28, 1919, one of nine children born to Walter and Vernia (McCormick) Beam at Morton, Indiana. He was educated at the New Maysville and Bainbridge Indiana schools and graduated from Bainbridge High School. He then attended Indiana Central Business College. He married Katherine (Scobee) Beam on September 20, 1941. She preceded him in death in 2007. Ralph Faye Beam was proud to serve in the U.S. Army and was inducted in November, 1941 and sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison, and discharged November 10, 1945 at Camp Atterbury. He served in the European Theatre from February 10, 1944 to September 15, 1945 as a Chief Warrant Officer with the 44th armored infantry 6th Armored Division. Ralph and Katherine (Scobee) Beam resided in Indianapolis until they moved to Jamestown in 1954. They then purchased the Jamestown Lumber Company and resided in Jamestown, IN for over 50 years until purchasing their dream home in Lizton, IN. Ralph was an active general contractor up until the age of 95 building several homes and renovating several buildings in the Jamestown area. He and his wife also sponsored the Ralph and Katherine Beam scholarship fund at Western Boone Jr./Sr. High School. He was a member of the American Legion Post 395, Hazelrigg Lodge 200, Scottish Rite and United Methodist Church of Jamestown. Surviving are their three sons, Walter Beam (Janet), Donald Beam (Estelle), Richard Beam (Ginger) and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled at Porter Funeral Home in Jamestown. Visitation will be Saturday, May 21, 2016, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and again Sunday, May 22, 3:00-5:00 p.m. with services on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. with Reverend William Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 395, Hazelrigg Lodge 200 or the Jamestown United Methodist Church. You’re invited to visit the website, www.porterfuneralhome.us, where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message.

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Ralph was our scoutmaster and owned the lumberyard in Jamestown during my adolescent and teen years. He donated his time, materials, and vehicles to our troop on the many camping outings we made as scouts. He and the other adults such as Marvin Leeke, Jim Burris, George Ross, and my dad were instrumental in instilling in us qualities such as work ethics, leadership and devotion to duty that served us well as adults. I give credit to Ralph and these other WWII veterans for the successes the children of the 40s and 50s achieved.

Dear Beam Family,
Ralph's passion for the success of Jamestown offered opportunities for a nice place to live and work for many residents of Jamestown. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you celebrate a life well lived.
The Dickerson Family

My sympathy to all the Beam family and especially his sons.

Our condolences to your families. Ralph did a lot to enhance the quality of life in Jamestown.

Mary Brown Demoret
Jim & Diana Brown
Bob & Marilyn (Brown) Kernodle

Ralph was a good friend to my dad and always treated me well. My condolences to Wally, Don, Rick and the extended family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Ralph was an amazing man and had the best stories. It was my pleasure to help care for such a sweet man. He will be sadly missed. He was very loved by so many. RIP Ralph until we meet again

Prayers sent to your family.

Mr Beam family. I am so sad to hear of Ralph's passing. He was a special man and enjoyed hearing his stories. He will be greatly missed by myself and all the girls at Excel Home Health and Personal Services. Sincerely, Shari L Pryor

Ralph was the Best Boss Ever!

Ralph was my Scoutmaster and adult mentor as I was growing up in Jamestown in the 50s. I give him and others who mentored me in that era credit for the successes I have realized during my adult life.

It was my pleasure to help care for Ralph, he was very sweet and smart man. He will be missed,,
R.I.P. Mr.Beam

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.