The Pantagraph, Thursday, March 31, 2005

PAXTON -- Harold J. Beer of Oklahoma City, was born in Milford, Ind., on Jan. 23, 1920, to Frank S. Beer and Matilda Aeschliman Beer. On March 17, 2005, he went to be with the Lord he loved for many years.

Harold married the former Mary Anne Kupferschmid of Hoopeston on Feb. 23, 1947, and they moved to Oklahoma City from Illinois in 1991 to be near family. Harold and his family lived in Rankin, Paxton and Urbana. They have been members of Northwest Baptist Church in Oklahoma City since moving to Oklahoma City.

Harold was a very talented man who especially loved woodworking. He worked in construction for many years and built two of the family's homes. After finishing college in his 50s, he taught machine shop at Parkland College in Champaign. He was a loving husband and father who was sacrificial and generous. There was nothing he would not do for others. He was well- known for his creative inventions and wonderful sense of humor.

Harold was preceded in death by six bothers and sisters; a son-in-law, Louis Loeffler III of Tecumseh, Okla.; and a grandson, Jonathan Beer, son of Ted and Paula Beer.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne; daughter Joan (John) Vincent from La Porte, Ind.; daughter Deborah (Alan) Loeffler of Oklahoma City; son Daniel (Holly) of Bloomington; daughter Julie (Atef) Elzeftawy of Las Vegas, Nev.; daughter Christine Loeffler of Tecumseh, Okla.; daughter Ellen (Mike) Maliskas of Oklahoma City; and son, Ted (Paula) of Oklahoma City. He also is survived by 18 grandchildren and two brothers, Levi Beer and Elmer Beer of Indiana.

He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

His service was March 21 at Northwest Baptist Church, with interment following in Memorial Park Cemetery. Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, was in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International.