Obituary for Gary Francis Beaman

Celebrating the Life of Gary Francis Beaman

Gary Francis Beaman, 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born on April 3, 1947, in Dexter, Iowa, Gary was the proud son of Clarence and Betty Beaman and the oldest of five siblings.

Gary lived life to the fullest. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps and was a proud Vietnam War veteran. His courage and dedication to his nation were only matched by his passion for the things that brought him joy.

Gary found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—spending peaceful days fishing, celebrating the magic of fireworks, and especially enjoying the Fourth of July, his favorite holiday. He had a lifelong love of collecting Toyotas and was known for his adventurous spirit when it came to food. Gary loved eating out every day, exploring different restaurants and savoring new meals wherever he went. He also had a deep love for music, with an impressive knowledge of '70s bands that could rival any music enthusiast. Whether he was sharing songs, stories, or trivia, his passion for that era’s music was contagious to all who knew him.

In his youth, Gary’s outstanding wrestling skills made a lasting impact. While attending high school in Greenfield, Iowa, he was part of the undefeated 1964 wrestling team. In 2024, his contributions were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Nodaway Valley Wrestling Hall of Fame as part of that remarkable team—a proud moment that honored his lifelong grit and determination.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Betty Beaman; his brother, William (Bill) Beaman; and his brother-in-law, Steve Williams. Though they are gone, their spirits no doubt welcomed Gary with open arms.

Gary’s memory will continue to shine brightly through his loving daughters, Elissa Beaman-Torrez (Julio) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Angela Christensen (David) of Des Moines, Iowa; his cherished granddaughter, Ella Torrez; his brother, Mike Beaman (Linda) of Johnston, Iowa; his sisters, Mary Williams of Omaha, Nebraska, and Rebecca Groh of Corinth, Texas; as well as his many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. His stories, laughter, music, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at All Saints Catholic Church in Stuart, Iowa, on July 18, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the church service at 11:00 a.m. Burial of the urn will take place at 12:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery in Stuart, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Gary’s life by donating to the CLC Hospice Unit at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, whose care and kindness meant so much to him and his family.

Until then, we celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved.