Charles Beecher Sheeley, 91, died February 25, 2019, in Springfield, MO. Mr. Sheeley was born in 1927, to Henry and Mabel Sheeley in Maplewood, IL.  He was preceded in death by Ruth Sheeley, his wife of 52 years, and a daughter, Kristi Ruth.

Mr. Sheeley is survived by sons Dr. Steven Sheeley (Elizabeth), Marietta, GA; Craig Sheeley, Springfield, MO; and Jeffrey Sheeley (Sandra), Springfield, MO. Survivors also include six grandchildren: Kristen Sheeley, Rome, GA; Mary Oppel (Michael), Tifton, GA; Emily Sheeley, Springfield, MO; Laura Sheeley, Springfield, MO; Jacob Sheeley, Springfield, MO; and Claire Sheeley, Springfield, MO. In addition, Sheeley is survived by one great-grandchild: Savannah Oppel, Tifton, GA.

Beecher Sheeley was a graduate of Warrenton (MO) High School and served as a Corporal during the Korean War. He moved to Springfield, MO, following his military service to enroll in Southwest Missouri State College.  He held degrees from SMS (BSEd) and the University of Missouri (MA).  He completed further study at North Texas State University and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Mr. Sheeley taught History in the Springfield R-12 School District for 33 years. After one year at Reed Junior High, he was a member of the faculty at Parkview High School from its opening in fall 1956 until his retirement.  Students selected him as teacher of the year multiple times.  Sheeley was well known for his prodigious memory, his love for telling stories, and his passion for sports.  He taught multiple generations of the same family during his long career, and he delighted in keeping up with former students.  Sheeley extended his educational influence into higher education, teaching courses at extension sites and at night for Drury University and SMS.

Sheeley was a long-time member of University Heights Baptist Church.  He served – at various times – as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Training Union Director.

Mr. Sheeley was an avid sports fan. He often attended football, basketball, and baseball home games at Parkview HS, even after his retirement.  During his later years, he took great joy in stopping along his walk to watch a few innings of the baseball game at PHS.  He was a life-long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.  Sheeley was a voracious reader, with an almost photographic memory.  His family members were often amazed that he could watch one game on television, listen to another on the radio, and read at the same time, perfectly capable of both following and remembering what was going on with all three!

Beecher Sheeley applied that brilliance to a long and productive teaching career. Teacher, colleague, and mentor to so many over the past six decades, his lasting legacy can be found in the lives of former students.

Sheeley's love of ice cream was well established within family circles. There was always ice cream in his freezer, and he took great delight in being the first to introduce grandchildren to the frozen dessert. The family would welcome donations in his memory to Ozarks Food Harvest. Or, if you prefer, you are invited to honor his memory by treating a friend or family member to ice cream and recounting your favorite stories. A Service of Remembrance will be held at a later date which will be posted to Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home website