J.E. "Doc" Beets

Joseph Edward “Doc” Beets, age 89 of Garnett5, Kansas formerly of Ottawa and Lane, Kansas, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 at the Guest Home Estates in Garnett, Ks.

“Doc” was born November 3, 1922 in Osawatomie, Ks. He was the second of six children born to Clyde Joseph and Edith Vivian (Edgell) Beets. “Doc” attended Green Valley Country School. He did not attend High School as he had to stay home and assist his father on the farm so his brother and sisters could attend school.

On October 12, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. He served in the South Pacific, including Guam. He was discharged on December 12, 1945, as a Corporal.

“Doc” was married August 12, 1945 to Marcella June Stevens. They made their home in Fontana and then Lane, Ks. in 1949. They became the parents of three daughters. Marcella preceded him in death July 9, 1992 to cancer.

“Doc” worked in commercial construction most of his life, primarily banks. For many years he was construction Superintendent for Triangle Builders, retiring in June of 1988.

“Doc” married Betty McDougal Stevens on May 1, 1995. They lived in Ottawa, Ks.

He was a member of Stevenson-Gerth VFW Post of Lane, Ks. for many years. He was a life member of the VFW post #5901 of Ottawa, Ks. Doc was also the Noble Grand of the I.O.O.F. for the State District Meeting. He served on the Lane City Council, for many years as senior councilman. He served on the Lane School Board from 1960 to 1963.

Doc had a sense of humor from the time he was a child, that rivaled no other. He kept that sense of humor his whole life. He loved to laugh & make other people laugh.

Doc’s life revolved around his children & grandchildren. He taught them all many things, most of all, that family comes first, to always love one another & enjoy one another. He said “If you have a family that loves you, you are the richest man in the world.”

Doc enjoyed woodworking & working on small engines. He loved dancing & went every chance he got. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

Doc was preceded in death by his wife; Marcella, his daughter; Mary LeVaughn Beets Keith, his parents, two sisters; Edith Pauline Beets Caylor and Geraldine Bobbette Beets Minnis, one brother; Roy Beets & a great granddaughter Braden Hollinger.

He is survived by his wife; Betty Stevens Beets of the home, two daughters; Connie Beets & Rhonda Snyder and husband Bert both of Lane, one sister; Lola Beets of Rantoul; one brother Donald Beets of Letchworth Herts, England; twelve grandchildren, twenty-seven great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, six step children, Phillip Stevens, Linda Torrez, Jeff Stevens, Janice Stevens, Brenda Ricci, & Cheryl Page. Numerous step grandchildren, many nieces & nephews, family & friends.

Funeral services will be 10:00am Thurs. March 22, 2012 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, followed by burial at the Lane Cemetery with military honors.Visitation 6-8pm Wed. at the funeral home.

Memorial are to the Lane United Methodist Church and maybe sent in care of the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home 203 Main, P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, Ks. 66064
(913)755-2114