BEU, Cleo L. - b. November 15, 1921 - d. October 21, 2013

[patyrn]

Cleo L. Beu passed away October 21, 2013 at Cumbernauld Village in Winfield, Kansas.  He was 91 years of age and a resident of Winfield, Kansas.  Cleo was born on November 15, 1921 on a farm near Moline, Kansas to Bennie Walter and Edna Gertrude (May) Beu.

Cleo graduated from Moline High School in 1939 and grew to manhood in the Moline area.  Cleo served four years in the Air Force during World War II, being stationed in Europe.  He was employed at the Moline Mercantile for 25 years before becoming an owner of Moline Furniture Store for 35 years. 

On April 17, 1943 in Tonopah, Nevada, he married Lois E. Stiles, and they made their home in Moline.  They moved to Winfield in 2004 to be near medical care for Lois.  After her death, Cleo remained at Cumbernauld Village where he filled his days with writing his memoirs, enjoying art, and making music on his Yamaha electric piano.  All three endeavors surrounded him with new friends and the joy of bringing happiness to others.  His angels and roses will be a fond memory to those who were recipients of them.

Cleo's accomplishments at Cumbernauld Village were many.  He was instrumental in building Beu Gardens with a 14th century design 4-tier fountain, The Angel Gabriel, roses, and polished granite stones carved for loved one, all done in memory of Lois. All these improvements were possible with the assistance of Linda Voth.  Cleo was very proud of the 75 pieces of art work hanging in the hallways of Cumbernauld Village.  The art is all by famous artists and were framed by Walt Nichols Framing Company.  He gave many more gifts to Cumbernauld Village, all in memory of Lois.

Cleo was a talented piano player, loved the computer, enjoyed writing, and was trying to learn Spanish.  He was happiest when working on a project.  He also took great pleasure in giving and felt it was the most important thing in his life.  Through the years, Lois and Cleo helped many young people, and over the past several years, he gave over 90 parkas to the working girls at Cumbernauld.  Cleo often said that he was raised in a German home and that giving was a way of life.

"Life is not always perfect, not supposed to be, but had I the choice to live my life over, I would change nothing.  The things that meant the most to me were Lois, people, love, and giving."  - Cleo L. Beu

Through friendship and love, the following were the daughters to Cleo:  Jo Vestal, Ardie Booi (Canada), Ginny Mechtley, Juanita Miller, Carey Hurt, Shae Watkins, Stephanie Goff, Connie Carter, Evelyn Meade, Janet Rash, and Wanda Mills.  After Lois was gone, Cleo was alone.  There were no relatives left.  These people helped him through a most difficult time and will never be forgotten. 

Cleo loved to dance with Lois in his arms.  They often went dancing with their closest friends, Darrel and Millie Patteson and Shorty and Rose Lee Cottle at the Helms Club.  At the end of the dance, it was off to Lacy's for a midnight brunch.  Those were some of the happiest times of his life.

After Lois was gone, Cleo came close to becoming a hermit, only going out to visit Lois at the Grenola Cemetery.  He spent his last remaining days at Cumbernauld Village with his friends there. 

"Every book has a beginning chapter and an ending chapter as life does.  That time has come.  An "Ultimo Adios".  My last farewell.  Love, Cleo."  - Cleo L. Beu

His parents, brother, and wife, Lois, preceded him in death.  He is survived by hundreds of friends.  His final years were spent waiting for the joy of reunion with his beloved Lois.  He requested that his funeral service be one for the celebrations of his life, his love for Lois, and his passing to a place without sorrow.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas with Pastor Robin Haines officiating.  Music will be presented by Not Worthy and Rodney Jennings.  Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, Kansas and may be left with the funeral home.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are entrusted to Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

[Janet Harrington]

What a wonderful tribute to someone who was a very nice man.

[Catwoman]

It is with sadness that I read of the passing of the last of an era.  I remember moving to Moline...Lois and Cleo were two of the first people I had the pleasure to become acquainted with.  I am imagining Lois and Cleo dancing in Heaven, both of them graceful and smiling. :-)