Obituary of Larry Gene Beeker
Larry Gene Beeker was born on January 6, 1944 in Monroe, Michigan. He was one of two sons born to the union of Carlos Phillip and Florence Angeline (Kinsey) Beeker. Larry attended Monroe High School graduating with the class of 1961.
In 1964, on the 10th day of the 10th month at 10:00 o’clock in the morning, Larry would marry the love of his life, Ms. Sharon Kay Wilkie, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Monroe, Michigan and together the couple would be blessed with two wonderful children, Tim and Stacey. Larry provided for his family through employment at Ford Motor Company in Saline, Michigan. He spent 35 ½ years working as an Inspector and an Analyst until his retirement on July 1, 2001.
Larry was a true car enthusiast. His favorite cars were the ones he owned such as his 1958 Chevy Impala Convertible, 1961 Chevy Impala Bubble Top, and 1958 Chevy Biscayne. Larry was a member of the Monroe Jaycees, Monroe Good Time Cruisers Car Club, Michigan Muscle Car Club of Monroe and Monroe Center for Healthy Aging. He enjoyed coaching summer league softball for high school students, played softball for the Jaycees, and even bartending at the Jaycees’ functions. He had a fondness of farm tractors, but was drawn to International Harvester and Farmall tractors the most. He enjoyed watching deer and birds from his backyard and loved growing a vast vegetable garden. Some of the vegetables he grew included: tomatoes, cucumbers, peas, turnips, radishes, zucchini, eggplant, green and yellow beans.
Of all the things in his life that he enjoyed, spending time with his family was at the top of the list. Larry loved to watch his grandchildren perform whether it was sports or music. His grandson Ryan did karate, Nick played hockey and played the saxophone, Samantha figure skated and sang in the school and church choir and Paul figure skated, ran track and played the trumpet.
Larry Gene Beeker, age 77, of Monroe passed away on Monday; December 13, 2021 at IHM Health Care Center in Monroe, Michigan under the care of Elara Caring Hospice of Adrian. His passing was preceded by his parents: Carlos P. and Florence A. Beeker.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of fifty-seven years: Sharon K. Beeker of Monroe; a son: Tim (Wendy) Beeker of Monroe; a daughter: Stacey (Jack) Friday of Monroe; a brother: Duane (Judy) Beeker of Monroe; three grandsons: Ryan Beeker, Nicholas Beeker, and Paul Friday; one granddaughter: Samantha Friday; two special nephews: Scott and Matthew Beeker; and a niece: Carla Butler.
Friends may gather on Friday; December 17, 2021 from 11:00am until 3:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 3:00pm also at Merkle’s with Deacon Mike Stewart of St. Mary Catholic Church officiating. Inurnment will take place on Monday; December 20, 2021 at 12:00pm at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, MI.
For those desiring, memorial contributions in Larry’s memory are suggested to The Ted Lindsey Foundation for Autism; 1819 Big Beaver Road, Suite 200 Troy, MI 48043 or to the Monroe County Humane Society; 833 North Telegraph Road Monroe, MI 48162. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com