Beachy, Perry J. (1926-2005)

Newton Kansan obituary: 2005 Jan 4 p. 2

Birth date: 1926 Jan 8

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2005 Jan 24 p. 8

text of obituary:

PERRY J. BEACHY

Perry J. Beachy, 78, of Hesston, Kan., died Jan. 3, 2005. He was born Jan. 8, 1926, to Jacob L. and Anna (Yoder) Beachy of Arthur, Ill.

He married Eleanor Niemela on June 2, 1956.

He was baptized Dec. 7, 1941, and became a member of Arthur Mennonite Church. He developed a strong belief in the Anabaptist interpretation of Scripture and believed one should live out one's faith. He was the first Mennonite in his community to attend high school and thus paved the way for others. He graduated from Hesston College and Goshen (Ind.) College, received a master's degree in education from Indiana University and a master of divinity degree from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

For 14 years he was a teacher and principal in public schools. He then served as a pastor in Mennonite churches for 20 years. These included churches in Geary, Okla., Geneva, Neb., Pueblo, Colo., and Pawnee Rock, where he and Eleanor were co-pastors for more than 11 years.

He was active in community life. He was a visionary and often started new projects, inviting others to join the effort. Among these were leading the development of a day- care center, starting a drug education program, placing Choice Book racks in public places and starting a community news sheet.

He took two years out of his work life to care for his father before his father's death.

Survivors include his wife, Eleanor; a son, Jonathan and his wife, Gloria Hegge, of Wichita; a brother, David Beachy of Arthur, Ill.; and a sister, Bertha Marner of LaGrange, Ind.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Arthur Martin, Levi and Noah; and two sisters, Mayme Miller and Edna Soule.

A memorial service was held at Hesston Mennonite Church.