Rickie Lee Beeman, age 66 of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at his residence following a brief battle with cancer.  He was born January 23, 1952 in Elwood, the son of Lewis and Francis (Dietz) Beeman.  Rick married Candice Joe Clemons on May 3, 1980, and they shared over 27 years of marriage together until her passing in 2007.  He worked for the City of Elwood Sewage Department as a Chief Operator for over 27 years until he retired in 2007.  Rick was a former member of the Zion Chapel Church in Elwood when he was younger.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing and watching basketball, cheering on the Indiana Pacers, and visiting Wabash on several camping trips.  Rick especially loved to work on small engines - anything from lawnmowers to scooters and everything in between.  More than anything, Rick loved his all his family and grandkids who called him "Papaw".  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rick's family includes 7 children, Jan Beeman of Elwood, Rickie Beeman Jr. of Elwood, Michelle (husband Adam) Huffman of Alexandria, Debbie Arnold of Alexandria, Christopher Morris of Anderson, David Edwards of Elwood, and Georgia Beeman of Elwood; 3 siblings, Junior Beeman of Elwood, Gail Beeman of Elwood, and Georgia Beeman of Elwood; 8 grandchildren, Quinton Rice, Conner Beeman, Deena Miller, Ashley Miller, Christopher Miller, Krysta Beeman, Davida Holderman, and Devin Arnold; 4 great-grandchildren, Gabriel Twiford, Jayce McCune, Levi McCune, and Mallory Holderman; and several nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Candice Beeman in 2007; 6 brothers, Hubert Beeman, Richard Beeman, Robert Beeman, Bill Beeman, Charlie Beeman, and Jack Beeman; and 3 sisters, Delores Beeman, Betty Rose Beeman, and Beverly (Beeman) Weaver.

A funeral service celebrating Rick's life will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home with Candice Coston officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home to help the family offset funeral expenses.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.