Deacon Lewis Dale Beatty

Lewis Dale Beatty, 76, returned to his heavenly home on May 11, 2015. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. One might know him by many names: Lew, Honey, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Gunny, Deacon Lew, Mr. Beatty or even Buck.

Lew was born in Flint, Oklahoma on July 8, 1938. He attended Kiowa schools and graduated in 1956. Upon graduation Lew joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served twenty-three years. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Lew was a brave and loyal soldier—a true patriot. During his two tours in Vietnam he was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Lew worked as a machinist at Eaton Leonard for twenty-two years.

Lew met his wife Luci while deployed in the Philippines in 1964. He married his best friend and together they have two sons: Patrick and Chris. As a family, and with their many close friends and relatives, they enjoyed camping, fishing, going to plays, traveling the world and spending time with their grandchildren. Lew and Luci were the epitome of a loving couple. In January of 2015, together with many friends and family, they blissfully celebrated their love and commitment of fifty years.

Lew spent the greater part of his later years in service to God and the church. Lew attended The University of San Diego where he studied theology. In 1994 Lew became an ordained Deacon in the Catholic Church. Serving his church and local community in a multitude of ways, Lew was always available to serve, teach, answer a question, offer advice and support, or solve a problem, no matter how small.

He was a generous man who dedicated his life to service. He supported many charities: Sacred Heart Catholic School in Cainta Razal, Philippines, Missionaries of Charities in Olongapo, Wounded Warriors, St. Anthony’s College of Technology and Catholic Charities. He was also a member of The Knights of Columbus. He and his wife graciously opened their home and hosted countless exchange students from all over the world. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, friends, fellow Deacons and Priests who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator.

Lew is survived by his loving and devoted wife Luci, sons Patrick and Chris, daughter-in-law Ann, grandchildren Olivia and Brooklyn, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Will and Pina Sarmiento, cousins, nieces, and nephews in the United States, the Philippines and Canada. He is preceded in death by his sister Sandra Pearce, brother-in-law David Pearce, and his parents Art and Bernice Beatty.

A viewing and rosary will take place at St. Mary's Star of the Sea church in Oceanside on Thursday, May 21st from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A mass and celebration of life will take place at St. Mary’s church on Friday, May 22nd at 10:00am with the burial immediately following at Eternal Hills Mortuary. A reception will follow at the St. Mary’s Star of the Sea center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Mary’s church in Oceanside in Lewis Beatty’s name.