Charlie L. Stephens, 84, of Salina, died Saturday, Oct 20, 2012, at Good Samaritan Society in Minneapolis. He was born in Crescent, Okla., on July 10, 1929, to Charley and Goldie (Tharp) Stephens.
He was a graduate of Eureka High School. He joined the National Guard in 1947 as private and attended the Non-Commissioned Officers School at Fort Benning, Ga., where he earned the rank of sergeant. He then took correspondence courses and gained additional education at Fort Belvoir, Va., where he became 2nd and then 1st lieutenant. Returning to Fort Belvoir, he earned the rank of captain. He was appointed as commander of the National Guard Unit in Salina for seven years. Charlie then attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth. He was then transferred to Topeka in the 891st Engineers Division. From 1968-69, Charlie served in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star and was promoted to major. Returning to Salina, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and commanded the 891st Engineers in Manhattan. He then transferred to a reserve unit to earn a promotion to colonel, however, time and grade caught up with him so he retired in 1979, after 32 years serving in the Army and National Guard.
He joined the VFW Post 1432 in 1969, and he became VFW State Commander in 1993. He was also State Commander of the DAV, Chapter 11, in 2003. He was life member of the ISIS Shrine and Masons in Salina. Amidst all his Army duties, the family-owned Stephens Walnut Street Grocery, here in Salina. Charlie also owned a meat plant and after the sale of the plant, he went to work for Sexton Foods and then Sysco Foods. He retired in 1996. Charlie was an avid Ham Radio operator.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, lola Belle Lewis Stephens; daughter, Leanna Huscher and husband Charles; grandson, Jason Huscher; and many cousins and friends in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct 23, 2012, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, with burial and military honors in Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorials are to VFW Post 1432 or DAV Chapter 11.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today with family greeting visitors from 7 to 8 p.m.
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Gerald L. “Gary” Beach, 73, of Salina, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at his residence in Salina. He was born Gerald Lee Beach on Oct. 7, 1939, in Salina to Roy Henry and Fern LaVonne (Hillyard) Beach.
Gary worked for the Salina Fire Department for many years, starting as a firefighter and then becoming a lieutenant until his retirement, after serving 33 years. He also worked for the Salina Country Club and the Salina Municipal Golf Course as a groundskeeper.
Gary was an avid baseball and softball player. He also loved to play with his kids and grandchildren, as well as many area youth. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and he never met a person he did not know, and once he met you, he never forgot you.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Beau H. Skidmore.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; three daughters, Joanna J. Skidmore and significant other Jeff Leddy, of Inman, Deanna L. Beach, of Salina, and Leanna K. Heinen and husband Doug, of Basehor; adopted son, Alan S. Brown and wife Jan, of Madison; and five grandchildren, Nicholas C.R. Beach, Jane, Allison, Erin and Max Heinen.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, where the family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, with the Rev. Harry Tysen officiating. Burial will follow in the Brookville Cemetery, Brookville.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to the Saline County Humane Society.