Ernie Beachy, 81, died peacefully with his family at his bedside in the ICU at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Mo, in the wee hours of the morning on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2022, from the effects of Covid pneumonia.
He was born March 9, 1941, to Ray and Anna May (Miller) Beachy in Kalona, Iowa. Ernie married (Flora) Jeanie Martin June 4, 1961, in Kalona. Ernie and Jeanie were faithful and active members of the Evening Shade Mennonite Church in Warsaw, Mo.
Ernie owned and operated auto repair shops in Kalona and Clarion, Iowa, and Climax Springs, Mo., Kalona Auto, Ernie’s Auto, and Beachy Lake Auto respectively. He was well known for his skills as a mechanic and his honesty and fairness.
In his spare time, he built and flew Ultralight aircraft. He restored many classic cars and enjoyed winning trophies and meeting people at car shows. Ernie and Jeanie loved going on motorcycle trips and traveling in their RV.
In his retirement in southern Missouri, he would practice daily playing Christian hymns on his harmonica so that he could play for the church on Sunday mornings. He would always take his young sons on exciting adventures of which he knew Jeanie would not approve. Ernie taught his kids to be independent and free thinkers. “Dad always tried to teach us right from wrong.”
In the end, Ernie was most proud of his family. We believe that all acquaintances, friends, and family of Ernie Ray Beachy can confidently say, “It was good that he was here.”
Ernie is survived by his sons: Marty (Lisa) of Tullahoma, Tenn., Vern (Julie) of Carroll, Iowa, and Darren (Dede) of Chilton, Wisc.; and his siblings: Ellen, Viola, Nola, Edna, John, Calvin, Lynn, and Roger; along with many beloved grand and great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by the love of his life: Jeanie; and his youngest son: Evan.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at 2 p.m., at Evening Shade Mennonite Church off of Hwy 7 in Warsaw, Mo. Pastor Elwin Yoder officiating.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Lake Regional Hospital for providing such good care to Ernie. A very special thank you to the entire Evening Shade Mennonite Church family for being such an important part of our Dad’s life.
