Donald A. Beauchamp

Donald A Beauchamp

Donald A. Beauchamp, beloved family man, passed away on August 6, 2014, in Simi Valley, California. Don loved his wife and his family, his country and his God. Don's love for God grew into a real Christian faith that trusted the Lord for his life here and in an eternal home with fellow believers.

Don was born in Durango, Texas, to Jack Bee and Essie Pearl Hulcy Beauchamp. Jack and Essie had 7 children: one daughter then 6 sons. Don was the fourth son. Don served in the Navy in WWII. He was in the Marine Reserves and was called to active duty in the Korean War in 1950. He ended his military service in the Air Force Reserves.

Shortly after his honorable discharge from the Navy, he married Betty Joyce Holle, also from Texas. Don then started a long and successful career with the Telephone Company. He began in Pasadena, Ca and then worked most of his telephone career from the Canoga Park garage. He retired after 35 years, having maintained all the telephone and paging systems up on the hill at Rocketdyne during the heyday of the United States space program. After a late career transfer to Southwestern Bell in Arkansas, and the purchase of a 340-acre ranch on which he bred and raised cattle as a hobby, he started his second career as a farmer, eventually raising 24,000 turkeys a year for the Cargill Corp. But the lure of the growing family of grandkids brought him and Betty back to California--first to Nipomo and eventually to Simi Valley. These moves allowed him the opportunity to become his grandkids' biggest fan, catching just about every sporting event they participated in. And this same commitment seamlessly transferred to watching the great grandkids' sporting events, dance performances and musical recitals. He truly loved being a part of these young people’s lives.

Don and Betty would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this year on December 2nd. They have five children: Veta Larson (Tim), Donna Larson (Doug), Judeth Davis (Jim), Jack Beauchamp (Jan) and Tamara Durso (John). They have thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He is survived by three of his brothers, Chuck, Bryan and Glen Dale, six sisters-in-law, (Opal,Pearl,Jeannie,Bobbie Sue, Imogene and Hilda), two brothers-in-law, (Keith and Tommy), and multiple nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at Grace Brethren Church, 2900 Sycamore Drive in Simi Valley,on Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth. Following the burial, family and friends will gather at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Veta and Tim, at 4417 Presidio Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93063.