BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – Cyril M. Beeching, 103, Belle Fourche, passed away Sept. 11, 2015, at the Fort Meade Veterans Hospital. He was born March 13, 1912, in Andrews, to George and Floy Cramer Beeching. On Sept. 13, 1941, in Leesburg, he married Mary Bettie O’Brian, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Indiana, and at the age of 16 he dropped out of school and went downtown and got a job. He worked at a grain elevator, and hauled and shoveled coal. At age 17 he became a taxi driver, and at age 19 he started driving semis over the road and drove until meeting his wife-to-be. To this union two daughters, Karen and Beckie, were born. He was drafted into the United States Army in November 1942 and was honorably discharged February 1946. In 1953, the family moved from Indiana to Belle Fourche. He worked as a mechanic for many years at Ed’s Repair and also hauled grain for Steen’s Feed. He worked for a period of time for the City of Belle Fourche and was also a crosswalk guard for the school children. Following his retirement, he worked at Lueders Grocery Store, Belle Fourche. He was a member of the Belle Fourche Masonic Lodge and was just slated to receive his 70-year pin. He was a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to the Black Hills Commandery and Cryptic Masons of South Dakota. He was a member of the Black Hills Consistory, Order of the Eastern Star, Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of Cryptic Masons and Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons, both of South Dakota. For the past three years he resided at the Fort Meade Veterans Hospice Care Unit of Fort Meade. Survivors are: his daughters, Karen Dorsett, Spearfish, and Beckie (and spouse Tom) Henwood, Fruitdale; five grandchildren: Travis (and spouse Julie) Smith, Miami, Fla.; Rob (and spouse Lacey) Henwood, Belle Fourche; Megan (and spouse Grant) Werlinger, Eagle Butte; Beth Koski of Laramie, Wyo.; and Gina (and spouse Aaron) Koski, Spearfish; 12 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He also was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Thomas Beeching; and four sisters, Elizabeth Sands, Leitha Beeching, Sarah Slagle and Georgianna. Services were Thursday at Kline Funeral Chapel, Belle Fourche, S.D. ***** Memorials to the Hospice of Fort Meade Veterans Affairs. Condolences via www.klinefuneralchapel.com
