Lester Merrill Beal

Lester “Merrill” Beal, who celebrated 97 years on God’s great Earth, passed away April 22, 2013. He was born in Guernsey County on January 26, 1916 to the late Frank and Roxie (McNeely) Beal. Merrill attended school in Birmingham, Ohio. His love of the land was evident in his life’s occupations from working at the Farm Bureau, purchasing and farming the Cy Young Place in Peoli and owning milk routes to pick up and deliver for the farmers. In 1955 he graduated from Surge Dairy School in Chicago and became a Surge dealer for Coshocton and surrounding counties, servicing customers as far as the Ohio River. Merrill was the farmer’s best friend and tried his hardest to be available for them in time of need. Gardening was his passion, growing flowers and vegetables in abundance. A well-manicured yard was his signature of excellence. The life Merrill led was a testimony and inspiration to all who know him, being an active member of the Church all his life, many were blessed through him. In 1941, Merrill married Evelyn Taylor Beal who preceded him in death in 1953. He later married Garnet Lowe Beal in 1959, who preceded him in death in 2012. Merrill is survived by one son, Charles Beal; two daughters, Carol Beal, and Karen (David) Foreman; one step-daughter, Janet (Charlie) Straits; three grandchildren; six step grandchildren; three great grandchildren; many step great grandchildren; and three nieces, Faye Digenova, Helen Shamel, and Charlotte Campbell. In addition to his parents and wives, Merrill is preceded in death by one son, Roger Beal; one grandson, Joseph Foreman; and one brother, Russell Beal. A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 11:00 am in the chapel at Given-Dawson Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Barber officiating. Burial will follow at Peoli Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at Given-Dawson Funeral Home on Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 5:00-7:00 pm and one hour prior to the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Newcomerstown, 135 S. Rivers St., Newcomerstown, Ohio, 43832 or Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, Ohio, 44622