Thomas "Tom" Rodney Beaver

Thomas R. “Tom” Beaver died Jan. 7, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital, following a long battle with COVID-19 and other related health issues.  He was 87 years old.

Born to Groll and Billie Beaver in 1934, Mr. Beaver graduated from Elkhart High School in 1951, before serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  Even late in life, he cheered proudly for the Midshipmen each time they played Army on the college gridiron.

Mr. Beaver married Betty Smoot in 1958, and they had five children together, including four sons, Brian Beaver, Brad Beaver, Brett Beaver and Aaron Beaver, and one daughter, Andrea Hanes.  Tom was also the proud grandfather of ten, and a great grandfather to four.

Mr. Beaver is also survived by two siblings, Sally Beaver and Bill Beaver.

Tom enjoyed music, crossword puzzles, sports, hunting and fishing, and reveling in the achievements of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He dedicated countless hours to youth sports as both a coach and umpire and could be heard loudly adding his “encouragement” from the stands at Elkhart Memorial football, basketball and baseball games.

Generous with his time and treasure to a fault, Mr. Beaver gave to numerous charitable efforts, large and small.  He was a member of First Brethren Church, and a daily reader of the Holy Bible.  And now, after decades of studying God’s word, he’ll meet his Creator and be welcomed home for the rest of eternity.

A Gathering of family and friends for Tom will be on Friday, January 14, 2022 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at First Brethren Church of Elkhart, 24197 C.R. 16, Elkhart, IN with a Celebration of Tom’s Life Service to follow at 4:00pm. Military honors will be rendered before the start of the service. Pastors Dan Herendeen and Tim Garner will be officiating the service. A private burial will be at Rice Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to First Brethren Church of Elkhart., 24197 C.R. 16, Elkhart, IN 46516.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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