West Leyden – Charles J. Beyel, 92, a lifelong resident of West Leyden, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Charles was born on August 6, 1921 in West Leyden, a son of John P. and Carrie Miller Beyel. He graduated from West Leyden Central School with the Class of 1939 and attended SUNY Morrisville, graduating with an Associate's Degree in 1942. Following college he attended airplane engine school in Harrisburg, PA. In July 1942 Charles joined the U.S. Air Force and attended their engine school in Astoria, NY. He served state side until May 1943, when he was sent to the South Pacific. His duty stations included Australia, New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, and the island of Ie Shima (part of the Okinawa Islands). In November 1945, Staff Sergeant Beyel was honorably discharged and returned home to West Leyden. On November 23, 1946 Charles was united in marriage with Marion Regetz at the Constableville United Methodist Church. Following their marriage the couple purchased and operated the Ray Beha farm until they retired in 1971. From 1971 until his retirement in 1983, Charles worked in the maintenance department at Kraft Foods in Lowville. Mrs. Beyel passed away on February 6, 2000. For 15 years Mr. Beyel was a member of the West Leyden School Board, serving as its president for his last 5 years, a member of the Charles J. Love Post #406 American Legion, Boonville, past member of the Boonville Elks Lodge #2158, a volunteer and honorary member of the West Leyden Fire Co., a member of the Reformed Church of West Leyden, a Director of Boonville GLF & Agway, and served on the West Leyden Cemetery Board. Charles also served his community as a former tax collector, assessor, and town councilman for the Town of Lewis. Charles is survived by his sons and daughter, David C., John P. and his wife Kathleen, Karen and her husband Joseph, and Alan F. and his wife Susan, and his loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Besides his wife Marion, he was predeceased by his brother Aaron M. Beyel and his sister Loretta Blixt.