Paul E. Beebe

When looking back on the life of Paul Beebe, it is easy to see both his unshakable courage and his unwavering love for his family. He never took a single moment for granted, and he was willing to go above and beyond to serve everyone around him. Nothing brought Paul greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. His strong faith and his dedication to caring for others formed the solid foundation of his life. Deeply missed, Paul will be forever loved and treasured by those who knew him best.

The early 1950s are remembered as some of the most influential years for the United States. The economy was thriving following the end of WWII just a short time before, and the historical baby boom was underway. It was during this exciting time that Max and Joan (Stuit) Beebe of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were expecting the arrival of their first child. On August 13, 1951, they welcomed their son into the world, who they named Paul Edward.

Growing up, Paul was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside his two younger siblings, Mark and Lynn. From a young age, Paul was outgoing and loved seeking out adventure. He found a passion for baseball, and as a boy, he was on a team that was Little League State Champions. Throughout his childhood, Paul learned to trout fish from his grandfather at his cabin on Pine River. Many fond memories of hunting and fishing with family were made at the cabin.

Paul attended local schools, including Palmer Elementary School, Riverside Middle School, and Creston High School. Once he earned his driver’s license, he got his first job washing dishes at the Pantlind Hotel. Paul also sold clothes at a men’s store downtown. He worked very hard to pursue his independence. In 1969, Paul graduated from Creston High School. He went on to pursue further education at Grand Valley State University while also working at Old Kent Bank. Paul built quite the collection of stories from his time working in repossessions there. He graduated from Grand Valley in 1974, eager to see what his future held.

Exciting changes were in store for Paul as he met the young woman who would quickly become the love of his life. Her name was Marti Hekman, and the two first met at a bowling alley in March of 1972. There was an instant spark between Paul and Marti. Over the next several months, their relationship flourished as they fell in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Paul and Marti were married at Baldwin Street Christian Reformed Church in a snowstorm on December 8, 1972. They hosted a reception in the basement. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon at the Stuit family cabin before settling down to start their lives together in their first apartment.

Of all the things Paul loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. He and Marti were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Rachel, Sara, Matthew, and Leah, into their hearts and home. Paul thrived in his role as a father. He raised his family in their first home on Kendalwood, then their longtime home on Granada. Paul instilled in his children the importance of his “Three C’s”---Be kind, courteous, and considerate. The Beebe family enjoyed quality time together on weekends at the cabin, which was the backdrop for countless memories. Paul was very involved in the lives of his children, attending every activity and game. He even coached Matt’s Little League baseball team for a time. Later in life, Paul was thrilled to become a grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. He faithfully attended all their sporting and school events and would always cheer for them proudly. Paul always considered himself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Paul’s strong work ethic served him well throughout his entire life. From 1980 to 1998, he worked as a treasurer for Rapistan. Paul then moved to help start a company in Maine, bringing his family with him for three years. When they returned to Michigan, he worked as director of David’s House and Executive Director of Senior Meals Program. Paul retired in 2013, leaving behind many years of exemplary work.

One of the core pillars of Paul’s life was his faith. When he and Marti brought their daughter, Rachel, to church to be baptized, he felt convicted to make his own profession of faith. After taking classes, Paul later committed himself to Christ. He and his family attended Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church, then became members of Westview Christian Reformed Church. Paul was very active in his church home. Over the years, he served as a deacon, an elder, the President of Classis, as well as a Sunday school teacher for many years. Paul played on many church softball leagues as well. His love for Jesus could be felt by all those around him.

Never one to sit still for long, Paul pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He loved trout fishing and golfing with his best friend, Mark Worst. Paul would often watch the minor teams play at Sullivan Field in Grand Rapids, and he was an avid Michigan State University fan. He enjoyed going to their football games with his longtime friend, Carl Richards. He liked to watch all kinds of sports. One of Paul’s most prized possessions was a puck from Paul Coffey that hit him at at a Red Wing’s game, which he kept proudly on his desk. He enjoyed reading true crime, historical and political books, and spiritual books. Paul liked watching true crime stories as well. He was known for his spontaneous dance parties and loved jazz music and salty snacks.

As family and friends will certainly attest, Paul Beebe truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength and encouragement, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Paul was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew him. He was a shining example of loyalty and kindness, and he was a firm believer in the importance of faith and family. Though he will be dearly missed, Paul leaves behind the torch of his legacy that his loved ones will be proud to pick up and carry on in his footsteps.

BEEBE – Mr. Paul Edward Beebe, age 73, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Joan Beebe. Paul is lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Marti; children, Rachel and Jim VanDyken (Katelynn, Anna, Elyse), Sara and Shawn Soudek (Alayna and Adalyn), Matthew Beebe (Lukas) and Leah and Aaron Dozeman (Cameron, Tessa, Nora); brother, Mark Beebe D.V.M. and Mary Warner; and sister, Lynn Beebe. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law, Hank and Brenda Hekman, John and Carol Hekman; sister-in-law, Pat and Bob Kelder; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Cottonwood CRC, 1101 Cypress Dr, Jenison, MI. Paul’s family will receive visitors from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday November 22, 2024 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Grandville Calvin Christian School or Jenison Christian School. Celebrate Paul’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.heritagelifestory.com