Donald John "Don" Beeler

Donald John “Don” Beeler, 85, of Altoona, died Wednesday evening at the home of his son surrounded by his family. He was born in Burgettstown, a son of the late Fisher Elwood and Sophia Jean (Domack) Beeler.

He married Judith Marie “Judy” McNelis on Feb. 27, 1960, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Altoona. She preceded him in death Nov. 15, 2018.

Surviving are nine children: son, Michael J. Beeler (Patricia Robinson) of Spokane, Wash.; son, Patrick J. Beeler (Christina) of Altoona; daughter, Kathleen A. Sheedy (Scott) of Cornish, Maine; son, Timothy S. Beeler of Altoona; daughter, Kelly A. Beeler (Tom Fleck) of Altoona; son, Joseph A. Beeler (Melissa) of Bellwood; son, Daniel P. Beeler (Sherry Trexler) of Sinking Valley; daughter, Susan M. Jarrett (Shawn) of Altoona; son, Christopher D. Beeler (Elisa) of Sinking Valley; 27 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a sister, Carol Corle of Claysburg; and two nephews, Michael and David Lamagna; sisters-in-law, Sally “Sis” Bauerman of Maryland and Kay McNelis of Altoona.

Don was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth L. Snyder; and a brother-in-law, Gary Corle.

Mr. Beeler was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Altoona where he was a member of the Cursillo Movement.

He was a 1955 graduate of Altoona High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, proudly serving in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalion (the Navy Seabees) attaining the rank of Steel Worker First Class.

Don retired as a welder from the tooling department of PPG Industries in 1995 following 32 years’ service. He had previously been employed at S. K. F. Altoona for five years. Following his retirement, Don worked as a funeral assistant at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc. for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, bowling and playing Pinochle.

Don was a former Scout Leader. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Father O’Malley Council #8075, Knights of Columbus, Bellwood. He was very active in his church parish, serving as chairman of the Lenten fish fry each year, managing funeral dinners, singing in the choir and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. He was awarded the 2015 Gold Cross award for his active work in the church.

A private viewing and vigil service for the deceased will be held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona. 

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday Jan. 26, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with the Rev. James Dugan officiating. Committal rites will be held at Calvary Cemetery with military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations please be made to “Christian Mothers”, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2716 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601.

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