Ernest Otto Beal

Ernest Otto Beal, known as Ernie, 79, passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on May 28, 2026, at his home in Clovis, California, surrounded by his family. Ernie was born on December 8, 1946, outside of Munich, Germany, to Ernst Desens and Rosa Hartl.

Ernie came to the United States in 1956 with his mother, brother, and stepfather, Tex Beal. Tex was in the Army, so Ernie’s family was stationed in different places throughout the United States. Ernie attended Elk Grove and Garden Grove High School, graduating in 1965. He was later drafted into the United States Army and sent to Vietnam. Due to Ernie’s precision and efficiency, he was chosen to serve as a general's aide and earned the prestigious Bronze Star for his service.

When Ernie returned home from Vietnam, he worked for the Stop-N-Go convenience store chain, where he excelled and eventually became the youngest district manager for the company. Ernie and his brother George decided they wanted to build something of their own, so Day & Night Markets were born. After growing their chain to around 20 stores, they decided to sell the stores and retire young. Later, after deciding retirement wasn’t all it was cracked up to be, the brothers started the well-known brand Johnny Quik Food Stores, which could be seen up and down the Central Valley and became known for great service and clean stores.

Ernie had been a horse lover since his early years in Germany, where his grandfather was the village blacksmith. His passion was so great that in 1983 Ernie built Beal’s Quarter Horses, one of the premier equine facilities in the Central Valley. Ernie showed horses for many years, from halter horses to western pleasure to reined cow horses. He enjoyed breeding, raising, and training his own horses, as well as raising cattle.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, Rosa, and his stepfather, Tex.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Shauna; their sons, Trevor, his wife Brooklynn, and their son Mason. Daughter, Paige Andros-Beal. He is also survived by his two sons from his marriage to Susan Flynn: Justin Howdy Beal and his wife Melissa, and their sons Henry and Max; and Jeff Beal and his wife Ashley, and their children Guy Michael, Kayleen, and Bella. Ernie is also survived by his brother, George Beal, and his wife Joy; his nephews Brandon, Ryan, Chaz, and Marty; and his niece Corie.

A special thank you to Sheila Garabedian and Jenn Alberta, who so lovingly helped care for Ernie in his final years. They were a true blessing to him and to his family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at Ernie’s favorite place, Beal’s Quarter Horses, located at 13179 E. Bullard Ave., Clovis, CA 93619.