Obituary of Melvin F. Beam

Melvin Beam, 85, of Vestal NY, went to be the Lord on Thursday, February 1 after a lengthy illness. He died peacefully in his home. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Onnolee Beam of Vestal and his sister Ilene Hammond. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Beam; his son David Beam of Chicago Illinois; daughter Deborah (Thomas Oody) of Vestal; and grandson Alex Beam (Lea Palmeno) of Rockford Illinois. Melvin was an active member of CalTab in Vestal for more than 55 years, participating in various ministries. He served as the Director of the church's bus ministry and was well-known throughout Endicott and surrounding areas as "Uncle Mel." Under his care, hundreds of children and young adults came to a knowledge of Christ and he counts many of his bus children as dear friends to this day. He was a retired IBM employee with more than 30 years of service, in later years he was a bus driver for Broome County Transit. He loved the Adirondack Mountains, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Classic Cars, but most importantly he loved his Savior and was passionate about sharing that relationship with whoever would listen. He led a small group bible study in his home and counts the members as part of his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Melvin's family will receive friends and guests from 10:00 am – 12 noon, with a celebration of his life immediately following, on Tuesday, February 6, at CalTab, 729 Main Street, Vestal NY. In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Melvin's memory to MapleRidge Ranch, 2857 Montrose Turnpike, Owego NY 13827, or to Guthrie Lourdes Hospice Care, 4102 Vestal Road, Vestal NY 13850. The family is eternally grateful to his hospice caregivers for their extraordinary efforts in his final days. Melvin rests in the promises of Romans 8:18: "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."