Harley T. Beyers Obituary (1927 - 2021)

Harley T. Beyers, 93 of Oconee, passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 in his home. He was born November 12, 1927 in rural Pana, IL on the family farm, son of the late Wilfred Cyril "Doc" & Marguerite (Adams) Beyers. Harley married Gertrude Holthaus on December 2, 1950 in Sacred Heart Church, Oconee and she survives in Oconee and they had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Harley was a graduate of Pana High School class of 1945 where he was the class president, ran track & played basketball. Harley served in the United States Army where he played basketball and was a telegraph operator. He attended Illinois State University & University of Northern Colorado playing basketball for both schools. He was also a signal corps and a clerk for Western Union. Harley was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he served as a trustee, lector, was in the rosary group in Pana, and a member of Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Oconee Lions Club, Oconee Knights of Columbus, Pana School Board: serving two terms, with the latter as president, 4-H Club leader, N.F.O., Shelby County Farm Bureau, served on the board for Shelby County Extension Council, and a basketball coach for Sacred Heart School. He was awarded the 1992 Conservation Farm Family in Shelby County and the State of Illinois. Harley was a lifelong farmer in the Oconee community. He enjoyed playing basketball, fishing, and was an avid lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Harley also delighted in ballroom dancing with the love of his life and most importantly he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his wife, Harley is survived by his children: Thomas (Judy) Beyers, Odin, IL; Steve (Denise) Beyers, Oconee, IL; Denny (Jodi) Beyers, Pana, IL; Larry (Sandy) Beyers, Oconee, IL; Annette Sims, Oconee, IL; Al (Brenda) Beyers, Chatham, IL; Dan (Jolene) Beyers, Rosamond, IL; Duane (Rebecca) Beyers, Pana, IL; Eric (Dawn) Beyers, Owaneco, IL; 34 grandchildren; 75 great grandchildren; siblings: Mary Margaret Holthaus, Taylorville, IL; Don (Pat) Beyers, Pana, IL; Joe Beyers, Pana, IL; Bill (Kathy) Beyers, Pana, IL; Mike (Bev) Beyers, Pana, IL; Pat Holthaus, Pana, IL; Bette Funneman, Pana, IL. In addition to his parents Harley was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Randy Sims; infant grandson, Dominic Beyers; and siblings: Cyril Beyers, Lyle Beyers, Robert Dale "Brownie" Beyers & infant sister, Irene Beyers. Private family services for Harley will be held at a later date. Memorials in Harley's honor may be made to Sacred Heart Church, Oconee and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.