The Reverend Dr. Allen Beach

Reverend Dr. Allen Ward Beach passed away peacefully on February 24 2018 at Schowalter Villa in Hesston Kansas.  He was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 11, 1934 to Eleanor (Stevens) and Bruce Beach.

He attended Lower Merion Senior High School in Ardmore PA, and continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School where he received his Bachelor in Economics in 1960.  He continued his education at Princeton Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1963 and Doctor of Theology  in 1972.  All of this happened while he worked 2 jobs and was raising 6 children… with A LOT of help from his bride!!

In 1963 Allen began his Pastoral career at First Presbyterian Church in Darby, PA.   During this time he was very passionate about the civil rights movement and he used his position to create dialogue between those in power and the downtrodden.  In 1966 he became the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Dearborn, MI.  He continued to champion the cause of equal rights during a period of great strife in Detroit and across this great country. In 1968 he moved his family to Cincinnati, OH and was Pastor at Seventh Presbyterian Church, and by 1972 he was moving the family to a new location and career in Sterling Kansas.  He Was Chaplain, Associate Professor and Counselor at Sterling College. Allen continued his pastoral career in Ashland, KS as Pastor of United Methodist Church in 1975. His final parish was in Denver at North Presbyterian Church from 1977-1983. He was honorably retired in 1986 by the Presbytery of Denver.

Allen and his wife Jacquelyn (Lynn) built a retirement home in Grand Lake, CO and enjoyed the “good life.”  While living in Grand Lake they opened a candle shop and enjoyed being “Allen and Lynn” in the small, vacation destination. Allen chaired the Development Committee, Grand Lake Area Arts Council and continued to do occasional ministerial duties.

For health reasons and to be closer to family Allen and Lynn moved back to Kansas.  They lived in Wichita for several years before settling at Schowalter Villa in Hesston KS.

Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years Jacquelyn McGee Beach, his brother Bruce Beach of Crossville TN, daughters Laura (Mike) Allen of Wichita KS and Stephanie (Bob) Murphy of Derby KS, son Glenn (Cathy) of Ft. Collins, CO.  He is survived by 22 Grandchildren, 26 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, 2 Nieces and 6 Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce C. and Eleanor (Stevens) Beach, his mother in-law Hazel McGee, his sister Barbara (Beach) Baker and his sons, Roy S. Beach, Allen W. Beach and Andrew G. Beach.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Schowalter Villa for their loving care of Allen.  We also want to thank Harry Hines Hospice for their care.

Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Newton KS on March 10, 2018 at 10:00 am.  Officiating is Rev. James Andersen.

Arrangements are being handled by Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, KS. In lieu of Flowers the family asks that donations be made in Allen’s name to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance fund.  http://pda.pcusa.org/