Howard G. "Jerry" Beams

He was born on October 31st, 1936 in Fremont, Indiana to Howard L. Beams and Lucille ( Miller ) Beams.

He grew up in Fremont and graduated from Fremont High School in 1955. He attended Purdue University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He earned his Michigan Funeral director license in 1958 and his Indiana License in 1959. He was the funeral director, embalmer and owner of Beams Funeral Home in Fremont.

He married the love of his life, and high school sweetheart, Glenna Cole on September 1st, 1957.

Jerry, loved sports during and after high school. He played baseball on the Fremont Town Team, and played Jr. And Sr. Federation baseball out of Fort Wayne. He coached little league. He was in a bowling league for 20 years and golfed into retirement.

Jerry, was very active in his community serving as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and installed Christmas lights for many years on the light poles on Toledo Street in Fremont. He was on the Industrial Board focusing on bringing “clean” businesses to town to preserve our air, water and soil. He was on the Fair committee, and Chairman of the Fremont Centennial Parade which had more than 200 entrees. He was one of six Fremont men that formed the Eagle Corporation drawing up plans for roads, lots and sewer for Abbott Estates. He was a school bus driver for 20 years and worked with the Fremont High School Buildings Trade program.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church and was trustee twice. He also was on the Library and Park Board, member of the Knights of Pythias for 65 years and Indiana Funeral Director Association for 60 years.

Although he was very active in the community, he loved and cherished his family. He encouraged learning and excellence from his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Valerie and Ted Bookwalter of Fremont, Indiana and son, Michael and Kay Beams of Black Mountain, North Carolina, Grandchildren, Ashley Bookwalter and Bradley Hammons of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Jared and Natalie Beams of Greenville, South Carolina, Mitchell and Paige Herber of Orland, Indiana, Alexander Beams of Mt, Pleasant, South Carolina, Keith and Arin Bookwalter of Fremont, Indiana, Eric and Lisa Herber of Twinsburg, Ohio. Great-Grandchildren, Jack and Henry Herber of Orland, Indiana, Amelia Bookwalter of Fremont, Indiana, Claire Herber of Twinsburg, Ohio, daughter of the heart, Candiss and Patrick Bleser of Charlotte, North Carolina. Step grand-children Matthew and Nicole Herber, of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Khristy and Jay Rollison of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Lucille Beams, wife, Glenna Beams, daughter, Risa Herber and son, Gary L. Beams.

Visitation will be held from 2 pm until 3 pm Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.

A Funeral Service will follow visitation at 3 pm Saturday. Evangelist Scott Saltsman will officiate the service.

Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Fremont, Indiana.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be directed to Lakeside Cemetery or to the National Kidney Foundation.