John B. Beal

John B. Beal was born on January 18, 1925 in Hamburg, Iowa. He was one of two children of Jesse Franklin and Ruth Irene (O’Neal) Beal. John graduated from Rock Port High School and then attended Tarkio College.

On April 6, 1946 he married Virginia R. McGinness in Lawrence, Kansas, and they became parents of two daughters. John farmed in Holt County, raising row crops and livestock, especially sheep.

As part of his sheep operation, he raised and trained Border Collies as sheep dogs. He enjoyed the competition of sheep dog trials, and had a favorite dog, “Jock.”

John was active in the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Farm Bureau, Order of Eastern Star, and 4-H. He was also voted Missouri’s Outstanding 4-H Leader. John founded the Squaw Creek Livestock Council and served as its President. He was active in the State Wool Council. John chaired Mound City’s annual Fourth of July Parade, and had served as Senior King and Grand Marshall. He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served as an elder.

John passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at a St. Joseph hospital at the age of 87.

Preceding him in death were his parents, and his sister, Barbara Hays.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia, of their Mound City home; daughters, Christie Beal of Lakewood, Colorado and Becky and her husband David Dalbey of Burlington Junction, Missouri; three grandchildren, Tricia Dalbey, Angie Mowbray and her husband Dave, and Jeff Dalbey and his wife Michelle; great grandson, Dalton Mowbray; brothers-in-law, Bob McGinness and Don Willsie; nephews Pat Hays and Mike Hays; and great nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 at 11:00 am the First Christian Church in Mound City.  Interment was held at the South Bethal Cemetery in Mound City. Memorials may be directed to the Masonic Home Board or Shriners Hospital for Children.