Harvey John Beamer 68, of Bedford, died Friday, October 8, 2021 at UPMC Altoona Hospital. He was born on August 18, 1953 in Meyersdale a son of the late Henry Joyce and Elizabeth S. (Shipley) Beamer. He is survived by three sisters: Mary Katherine Bryan widow of Herbert Donald, of Flovilla, GA, Elizabeth Ann Warner widow of Tom, of Fort Davis, TX, and Martha Beamer, of Oakdale; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Meyersdale High School class of 1971, and then obtained his Bachelor’s degree from University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown in 1975. He worked for his father at Beamer Ford in Meyersdale and Bedford prior to becoming physically disabled. He was a very active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, and helped establish and manage the Wheels Away Program at LOVE Inc. One of John’s passions was history. When he learned that the “Coffee Pot,” an 18-foot building constructed in 1927 was threatened to be demolished, he worked with the Lincoln Highway Heritage organization to restore the building and have it moved to its current location at the entrance to the Bedford County Fairgrounds. He is also known for his love of adventure and in 1974, he traveled to Islip, New York to compete in the World Demolition Derby Championship. The event was featured on ABC World of Sports and John was interviewed after the event. John was named volunteer of the Year in 2019 by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce. Despite being physically disabled he did not live his life around MS. He lived a very active life with his family and friends. John loved to travel and was very generous in giving to his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Bedford, with Rev. Raymond E. Short officiating. Burial at Meyersdale Area Union Cemetery. Friends will be received on Saturday from 10:00 a.m., until the hour of the service at the church on Saturday. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in John’s name to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 E. Penn St., Bedford, PA 15522; or Wheels Away, c/o LOVE Inc., 80 State St., Everett, PA 15537. Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.