Ralph V. Beahm, from the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas, died Sunday at the age of 94. Born in Huntley, NE, he was raised on the family farm and played sports, earning all-state in high school football. Ralph served in the Army Air Corps from 1942-1946 then began work for the Lipton Tea Co followed by sales roles at Bevington Wholesale Beverage in NE and IA. In 1948 Ralph married Marcella Chase from Logan, IA. They moved to Kansas City where Ralph worked for Bevington & Basile Wholesale. Ralph coached little league baseball, was a Boy Scout leader, served on the Mission, KS planning board and was an elder at Southridge Presbyterian in Roeland Park, KS. In 1976 he moved to St. Joseph and worked as manager of K&B Beverage Distributing Co. He later worked for Midland Bottling Co. and then St. Joseph Beverage. In total Ralph worked for over 55 years in the beverage industry. He was a humble man, loved his family, and truly enjoyed his friendships with customers over the years. Ralph was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 396 and 11, and member of the VFW, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Moila Shrine. Ralph was proceeded in death by his parents, Orley and Mertie; brothers, Willard, Lloyd, Lester and Merle; and his loving wife Marcella "Marcy". Ralph is survived by son Cliff (Connie); grandson Jason; granddaughter Jenna, great grandaughter Parker; son Bruce (Joan); grandsons Alex & Kevin. Farewell service 1 p.m. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 12 Noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Ralph's honor to The Salvation Army. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com

Published in Kansas City Star on Oct. 3, 2017