"It was my pleasure to know Tom and Helen and your adorable family during my years at Taylor University. My many contacts with Tom in his various leadership positions were always cordial and encouraging. He seemed to have ideas and answers for my many concerns when I was responsible for bringing professional groups to campus. May God's blessings and consolation surround you family as you adjust to the recent loss of both parents."
In loving memory of
Thomas "Tom" G. Beers
September 27, 1930 - December 6, 2014
Upland: Thomas Tom George Beers, 84, went home to be with his Lord, with family by his side. He was born in Jamestown, New York, to Greek immigrants the late George and Dina (Loomis) Beers. He graduated from Jamestown High School and North Park College before finishing a BS in History from Taylor University. He would later complete a Masters in Higher Education from American University in Washington, DC. He played football at North Park and was in the Mens Choir at both North Park and Taylor. Tom married the love of his life, Helen (Carlson) Beers on July 9, 1955. She preceded him in death on October 28th, 2013. Mr. Beers rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel in the US Marine Corps, during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the military, Tom served Taylor University in various roles including Assistant to the President, Dean of Students and Associate VP of Development over a span of 20+ years. In 1987 he received the Taylor University Alumnus of the year award. Tom attended Upland Community Church. He served in various community leadership roles including leadership in the United Way of Grant County, corporate officer and office manager of the Upland Tire and Service Center, Inc. and as a fundraiser for Project Mercy in Fort Wayne, IN. Survivors include a sister Mary Beers of Jamestown, New York; children, Julie (Carey) Cole, Fortville, Laurie (Dane) Davenport, Upland, Stephen (Jane) Beers, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Susan (Thomas) Harrison, Atlanta, Georgia, Catherine (Patrick) Dickey, Greeneville, Tennessee, and James (Michelle) Beers, Lexington, Kentucky, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Beers and sister-in-law, Betty Beers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Taylor University Beris Scholarship, 236 W. Reade Ave., Upland, Indiana 46989 or to Upland Community Church, 439 W Berry Ave., Upland, Indiana 46989. Visitation: 2:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2014, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 15, 2014, Upland Community Church, 439 W. Berry Ave., Upland, Indiana Officiating: Dr. Mark Biehl and Dr. Jay Kesler Interment: Jefferson Cemetery, Upland, Indiana
Tributes
"My condolences to the family at this time of loss. May the God of all comfort be with you and provide the strength needed now and in the days ahead. ~Isaiah 12:2"
"Dear Beers Family, Oh how sad we are at the loss of your dad and our dear friend. He is David's longest time friend and he is missing him, as we know you all are too. You have our very deepest sympathy and many heartfelt prayers. We wish we could be with you in this time of grieving, and give you a shoulder to cry on. We know Tom is where he wanted to be and are so thankful for his Christen fellowship and love over the years. With many tears, thoughts & Prayers. Your friends, Barb & David"
"Tom was a cherished friend. Not only was he a campus colleague, but I was fortunate to serve with him on the Grant County United Way Board. He was widely respected and loved. To me, he was the epitome of a rugged, but sensitive and compassionate Christian. It's comforting to know that he is reunited with his wife in the presence of our Savior. May that thought bless his family."
"My sincere condolences to the family. It was my honor to have known him. He was truly a good man whose concern for others defined him."
"My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. Take care of each other."
"Beers family I am so sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Beers. I have many fond memories sitting outside their upland home enjoying nature and talking to both of your parents. They were a world of knowledge and I know they will be greatly missed. I pray for comfort over the coming months"
"Mr. Beers...one of favorite men! He was an amazing person and touched so many lives in many different ways."
"Dear family members: It is always tough to lose a parent regardless of the circumstances as we speak from experience. All of you certainly have our sympathy. Tom was a dear friend to ALL of us! God bless EACH of you and may the Lord give you His peace an comfort during your time of grieving the loss of your dad. With love, Tim and Carolyn"
"Thoughts and prayers to the Beers Family during this time of grief. Dean Beers will alway be, in my mind, one of the top administrators at Taylor. He lead with a servant's heart. A wonderful example to all students. Peace and comfort. David W. Smith, TU '82"
"My prayers are with your whole family. I loved your dad a lot - he was always so sweet to me. So glad he and your mom are together again and with our Savior!"
"My heart is both sad and rejoicing. Sad for myself, all of the loved ones and the rest of us who will miss Tom's gentle humanity and thoughtfulness. I am so happy to know that he and Helen are together again, smiling at each other in that soft loving expression. Praise God for their sweet testimony and worthy example!"
"Our deepest condolences to the Beers family. Tom was a great resource for me as I began working in Development back in 1992. He provided me with wise counsel, respect, and support. I always found his insights particularly helpful. Both Tom and Helen were always so gracious to Larry and me.--Joyce and Larry Helyer"
"Dear family: we were saddened to read of your loss. Both of your parents were special people to me and to many. Your dad has been a trooper during his last years. We know you will miss him greatly. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories you must have. Jane & George Haines"
"Tom was a wonderful man. I know you'll miss him terribly, but know he's rejoicing in heaven with Jesus. Our prayers are with you."
"Beers Family: Your father exemplified a Christ-like spirit to others. His kindness and generosity was a wonderful example to us personally. We really admired both of your parents and are thrilled they are both with Jesus and each other. What a wonderful Godly legacy your parents left you. Our prayers are with you as you adjust to his home going. Our description of your dad - a wonderful Godly gentleman. Love to you all, Michael and Barbara Cooper"
"Julie, Laurie and family, I am sorry to hear about your father's passing. May the precious memories comfort you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jay."
"Our sincere sympathy to your family."