Terry A. Beam

Terry Beam, 80, died at home, surrounded by family on June 20, 2023. He was born on the most progressive day of the year, March 4, to Lundry and Mary Edith (Beatty) Beam. He was born and raised in Smithfield, Illinois and graduated from Cuba High School in 1961 before continuing his education at Western Illinois University, where he studied physics. He married Sharon (Sherry) Stevens on March 4, 1967. He began teaching physics and mathematics at Canton High School in 1969 where he touched the lives of thousands of students until his retirement in 1999. He was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1987.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish with his friends around Fulton County. A talented and meticulous carpenter, his summers were spent designing and building construction projects for and with his friends, family, and neighbors. He personally had a hand in the building of many homes, decks, and boat docks around Lake Wee-Ma-Tuk. He proudly served for 22 years on the Spoon River Electric Cooperative board.

He is preceded in death by his parents and by his son, Aaron Brett Beam. Left to cherish his memory is his adoring wife of 56 years, Sherry Beam. He was endlessly proud of his sons, Brian (and spouse, Aimee) Beam of Bloomington and Bradley (and spouse, Sarah) Beam of Canton. Terry will be dearly missed by his six grandchildren: Logan Beam of Springfield, Griffin Beam of Canton, Allie Beam of New York City, NY, Liz Beam of Bloomington, Marshall Ores of Baraboo, WI, and Henry Beam of Canton. Also mourning the loss of their brother are his older sibling Larry (and spouse, Celia) Beam of Cuba and younger sibling Linda (and spouse, Eldon) Howard of Ipava.

Cremation has been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at Wee Ma Tuk Country Club on Sunday, August 6 from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations be made in Terry’s honor to The ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter (5315 N Clark St., #650, Chicago, IL 60640) or donations can be made online: donate.alsachicago.org