Earl Beardslee

All who knew Earl Beardslee would agree that he never met a stranger and that there was no one he met who left unchanged. He was a kind, mild mannered, and self sacrificing man whose faith was his constant companion. It was clear by the choices he made that Earl realized that it is not through being overbearing or boisterous in our faith that we reach others, but that it is through quietly reflecting Jesus that we touch the lives of others. A man of integrity, humility, and honor, Earl will be deeply missed while his timeless legacy is carried on by those who follow him.

Nearly a century has passed since our nation was deeply entrenched in the throes of WWI. The year 1918 was was a year of great struggle not only because of the war, but also because of the deadly flu pandemic that was blanketing the world and at its peak during this year, was claiming over 200 lives every day. It was during this same year that a young family from Clarkson, Michigan was spending their summer preparing for the birth of their baby. Their wait was over on August 11th as Earl made his arrival and was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Casper and Hattie (Beardsley) Beardslee. He was born the middle of three children in his family including his brother, Ray, and his sister, Lillian. He was raised in a farming family in Clarkson where he attended local schools.

After graduating from Clarkson High School, Earl moved to Flint where he found work at Mississippi Valley Structural Steel. This was not uncommon during this time as these were the years of the Great Depression when people were more than willing to do what needed to be done in order to find work. It was during this same time that Earl’s life was forever changed with his introduction to the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Hazel A. Ealy and they met at a church dance when they were introduced by mutual friends. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love and became husband and wife on January 14, 1939, in the church parsonage. It wasn’t long before the couple was blessed with the birth of their daughter, Shirley.

In response to the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, our nation declared war the very next day, sending countless young servicemen and women overseas during the weeks and months that followed. Earl was drafted into the Army late in the war and drove a tank in Germany as part of the European Theater.

When he was discharged Earl was eager to return home to his family that soon grew to include two more children: Susan and Richard. He initially went to work for Buick for a short time where he received training as a draftsman, but he later returned to Mississippi Valley Structural Steel. Earl was a salesman there throughout the remainder of his career, retiring after 40 years.

Although work certainly held a place in Earl’s life, there was nothing of greater importance to him than the time he spent with his family. He was intentional in the example he set for his children and by watching their father they learned solid family virtues and character traits that set them on the right path. The lessons Earl taught were numerous, but some of the things his children appreciate most were his endless patience, his never ending self sacrifice, and his unwavering faith in every circumstance. He never lost his cool and never raised his voice, and there was never a sacrifice too great in Earl’s eyes. Through the years Earl was the rock in his family that never moved as the storms of life came their way. He was there for whatever his family needed whether it was strength, sound advice, or the hugs and kisses they loved so much.

Many of the things Earl enjoyed in life centered on those around him. He and Hazel were founding members of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Flint where Earl also taught Sunday school. He was always available with a listening ear, and he always gave advice that was laden with great wisdom. After Earl retired the couple spent their winters in Florida, and they also traveled out West a number of times to visit family members.

When it came to his hobbies, Earl liked engaging his mind, body, and soul. He loved his fruit trees, country humor, and he also liked listening to classical music. Earl was an avid reader who especially enjoyed reading National Geographic.

As we reflect on the life of Earl Beardslee, we are reminded of all the ways he touched us in his kind and gentle manner. He was a man who lived his faith as the phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” was not just a catchy reminder to him, but it was his way of life. Earl was loved and admired by everyone he met and never complained when the trying times threatened to steal his joy for life. His quiet strength and unending devotion to his family and friends provide us all with much to aspire for. The memories Earl leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for generations to come.

Earl Beardslee died on August 7, 2011. Earl’s family includes his wife, Hazel; daughters, Shirley (Ken) Hodgson, Susan (Charles) Wagner, Richard (Sheree) Beardslee; grandchildren, Christine Hodgson, Eric (Dee) Hodgson, Shannon (James) Terpenning, Ann Beardslee, Sarah Wagner, Nicholas Beardslee; and six great grandchildren, Bradley and Dylan Hodgson, Josselyn, Justin, Jacob and Joshua Terpenning. Earl was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ray Beardslee, sister, Lillian Brondige. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 11, 2011, at Middlebury United Methodist Church in Ovid, with Pastor Don Wentz officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Houghton Chapel of The Osgood Funeral Homes, in Ovid. To learn more about Earl and view his Life Story film, visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/72640. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to the Middlebury United Methodist Church Building Fund. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of Owosso Memorial Hospital.