Beam

John Orville Beam, 77, of West Sunbury, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Butler Memorial Hospital.

He was born on March 2, 1947, in Pittsburgh, to the late Charles and Ellen (Waxter) Beam.

John proudly served his country by enlisting in the Navy, where he served during the Vietnam War. He worked on the railroad for P&LE and PC&Y, where he occupied various positions. Following the railroad, John worked for Semper Concrete Products as a mechanic for over 10 years, until retiring in 2010.

He was a member of American Legion Post 117. John enjoyed camping, working on his tractor and spending time with his loving family, especially his grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura M. (Beattie) Beam, whom he married on Dec. 5, 1970; his daughters, Donna (Jeff Firestone) McClaine and Tabitha Beam; his son, John C. Beam; his grandchildren, Justin McClaine, Alyssa McClaine, Cody McClaine, Colton McClaine, Zachary McClaine, Jonathan McClaine and Samantha Broerman; his great-grandchildren, Hazel and Hayden; his brother, Charles Beam; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his two sisters, Charlene Ogden and Ellen McHale; his two brothers, Robert and Thomas Beam; his grandson, Joshua McClaine; as well as his great-grandson, Josiah McClaine.

BEAM — Family and friends of John Orville Beam, who died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

A funeral service will be held after the visitation at 4 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bob Edmundson officiating.

A time for faith and fellowship will be held immediately after the conclusion of the funeral service at American Legion Post 117, 413 S. Main St., Butler.

Interment will take place at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s memory may be made to Butler County Special Olympics, P.O. Box 2561, Butler, PA 16003-2561, or at support.specialolympics.org.

All who knew John are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.