Benjamin C. Beams

Born on January 10, 1931 in East Meredith, NY, he was the first of eight children of Charles and Rachel (Odell) Beams. He attended a one room school in West Davenport thru the sixth grade and graduated from Oneonta High School in 1950.

In 1949, Ben joined the National Guard Company G in Oneonta and belonged to the 978th Ordinance Company for 34 years.

He married Sally A. Balcom on December 20th, 1952 in Davenport. They first lived in East Meredith and later moved to West Davenport.

Ben was a proud member of the East Meredith and Pindars Corners Fire Departments for over 50 years. He was a member of the East Meredith Fire Department when they had their first, now famous, pancake breakfast. As a member of Pindars Corners, he helped build the present fire department building.

He was an assessor for the Town of Meredith for eight years and Supervisor for the Town of Davenport for six years.

A carpenter by trade, he built many homes in the area. His contracting business later expanded to include an overhead door and window business.

Ben was a longtime member of the West Davenport United Methodist Church and a trustee of the Charlotte Valley Cemetery Association.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and trapping and traveled to Maine, Newfoundland, Canada, the western United States and the Adirondacks. As a trapper he removed many beavers from farmer’s properties and several skunks from under people’s porches, some of whom showed him their dislike at the eviction. He also enjoyed beekeeping and making maple syrup.

Ben is survived by daughters, Linda MacDougall (John Stage) of Amsterdam and Deb Balantic (Phil) of Laurens; sons, Ben (Kathy) of Cortland and Bill of West Davenport. He is also survived by grandchildren, Frank MacDougall, Mike MacDougall, Amy Cornell, Sheryl Brown, Christopher Beams, Jessica Beams, Jennifer Salvo, Raymond Beams and Justin Beams; 10 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren making five generations. Survivors also include daughters-in-law, Christine Beams and Elise Beams; his sisters and brothers; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Sally of 68 years in 2021, son, Brian, son-in-law, Ted MacDougall, grandson, Charlie MacDougall and sister, Mary.

The family would like to thank his aides, Joanna Parliman and Joe Alger who helped make it possible to keep Ben at home and the staff at Helios Care. Also thank you to Pastor Kaye Freling for her many cards and visits. Thank you to all that sent cards and well wishes.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main Street, Oneonta from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 PM with the Rev. Kaye Freling of the West Davenport United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Charlotte Valley Cemetery, West Davenport.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local church or fire department.

To send the family online condolences please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.