Glenn W. Beech, 93, a lifelong resident of McKeesport, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at The Palms on O'Neil after a brief illness. Born Oct. 20, 1918, in McKeesport, he was the son of the late William T. and Maud E. (Johnston) Beech and is survived by his wife of 61 years Lya (Mazzucco) Beech. Glenn was a 1936 graduate of McKeesport High School. He was a retired employee of the former Westinghouse Air Brake Co. in Wilmerding, where he was a shop clerk in Section 25. He served as a baker in the Army Air Corp during World War II on the African front, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. One of Glenn's special memories of the war is when he and a fellow soldier were selected to prepare and serve a meal for Madam Chiang Kai-shek and her entourage during a stopover at his assigned air base while she was en route to the United States. He earned the American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. During his retirement, he and Lya traveled and spent time with their grandchildren. He took pride in gardening and would supply family, friends, and neighbors in Christy Park with fresh tomatoes. He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 701 in White Oak, the McKeesport AMVETS, the Versailles AARP and the McKeesport Turners. He is survived by his children, Glenn J. (Marion) Beech, of White Oak, Raymond G. Beech, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Leah Anne Beech, of Aleppo; his sister, Barbara Beech, of White Oak; four grandchildren, Angela (Gerimiah) Ochap, Nicole Schifino, Nina and Christian Beech; four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Dolche, Gionni and Sophia; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings, William and Frank Beech and Kathryn Cush. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at WILLIG FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 220 Ninth Ave., McKeesport. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Faith Lutheran Church, White Oak, with the Rev. Brian A. Evans officiating. Burial will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Palms At O'Neil Personal Care Residence, One Glenshire Lane, McKeesport, PA 15132.