Ron Beecham

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Ronald J Beecham, 69 of Columbus, KS passed peacefully surrounded by family on May 30th, 2024, after a brief illness.

He was born on December 15th, 1954, to Clifford and Elizabeth “Betty” Beecham in Columbus, KS where he lived most of life with only a few early years spent in Joplin and Carl Junction, MO. 

Ron graduated from Columbus High School in 1972 and soon after married Connie L. Draeger. They had two children, Crystal Beecham Beal and Robert James “Buddy” Beecham.

In 1976, he partnered with his father and mother-in-law, Marvin and Bettie Draeger on the family farm where he began his career as a farmer. He was also a mechanic and parts manager for Strickland Brothers in Oswego, KS and later retired from Cherokee County Kansas Road Crew.

Ron’s past time was spent gardening where he grew everything from sweet corn to tomatoes and cantaloupe of which he shared with family and friends. He was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #918 of West Mineral, KS, where he was a 40 plus year member. Over the years, Ron organized an annual fundraiser to benefit charities including the Ronald McDonald House and most recently, Cancer Research.

He is survived by his daughter, Crystal Beecham Beal and her husband Robert F. Beal Jr. of Columbus, KS. His granddaughter Megan Beal Bellamy and her husband Jeremy and great grandsons Zepplin and Hendrix. His grandson Darren Beal and finance Morgan Howell and great grandchild due In January. All in Northeast Texas. Brother: Ralph Beecham and wife Dorian of Kimberling City, MO. Sisters: Linda Beecham of Phoenix, AZ, and twin sister Connie Egbert and husband Danny of McCune, KS. Brother-in-Law: John Crane Sr. of Phoenix, AZ, and sister in laws: Becky Beecham of Oronogo, MO, and Martha Eiken and husband Don of Carthage, MO. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife Connie L. Draeger Beecham, son Robert J. “Buddy” Beecham. His parents, two brothers, Clifford “Eddie” Beecham and Stanley Beecham. As well as two sisters, Patricia Crane and Barbara Beecham.

Funeral services will be 2pm Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Greenlawn Cemetery with Andy Peterman officiating. Friends may come by the funeral home to pay their respects and sign the book from 9-5 pm on Friday and from 9 until service time on Saturday. Friends are also requested to meet at the funeral home at 1pm to follow in procession to the cemetery. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the funeral home. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Columbus.