David Beetley, Jr., age 97, passed away June 25, 2017. Born October 27, 1919, to David Q. and Vauda M. Beetley, in Lynn, Indiana, he is survived by son Gary S. Beetley, and wife, Kate W. Beetley; daughter, Ardena F. Copeland and husband, John R. Copeland; grandchildren: Denise (Tony) Luttrell, Donna (Dan) Laing, Michelle (Carl) Hoefer, John (Jen) Copeland, Jeff, Amanda, Zachary and Elizabeth Beetley; great grandchildren: Holly and Heather Haney, Clara and Lily Hoefer, Kinsey and Cagney Copeland, Corbin and Avery Herzog. Preceded in death by the love of his life, Lucille Tennessee Beetley (nee Graham), and infant daughter, Gloria Ann Beetley. A 1937 graduate of Fountain City High School, Indiana, David served in the U.S. Air Force April 1942 - September 1944 as a “three stripe” sergeant in the CBI Theater of Operations in Karachi, India. Recalling his first Christmas in Karachi, the USO sent each man a box of Chesterfield cigarettes and a box of Whitman’s chocolates. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, and the EAME Service Ribbon. After the war, he met Lucille at the Victory Café on Gay Street in Knoxville, and they were married in 1945. He worked at Southeastern Glass, and retired from Carborundum Company (BP). David was a loving husband, father and papaw, and an avid sports fan, who enjoyed baseball, football and wrestling. He loved watching westerns and detective shows. Always sharp-witted and smart, he could name all the U.S. Presidents, and played memory games most recently by trying to recall all the U.S. state capitals. When asked to confirm he was born in 1919, he replied “yes, that was before dirt was discovered.” The “dash” that was David’s life will live on in the memories of those he loved and who loved him. He was one of those rare men of his generation whose children and grandchildren knew unequivocally that they were loved unconditionally. David and Lucille’s marriage was the type of relationship envied by all who knew them. He missed her terribly since her death in 1995, now he will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched. The love and time he shared with each of them is a blessing that will remain. Many thanks to the caregivers at Amedisys and Greenfield Senior Living, especially: Alicia, Christine, Jamie, Regina and Vicki. Special thanks to his dear friend, Jenny Romeros and her family, and to Drs. Bingham, Bowles and Stanley for their expert care. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 pm at Weaver Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet 10:45 am Wednesday at Greenwood Cemetery for an 11:00 am graveside service. Condolences are welcome at www.weaverfuneralservices.com.
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