Gordon Beaver

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Gordon M. Beaver, 72, of Sikeston died Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at Sikeston Convalescent Center.

He was born May 8, 1933, at St. Joseph, Mo., son of Leroy C. and Julia Waite Beaver. He and Mary J. Wood were married June 8, 1956, in Webster Groves, Mo.

Beaver received a degree in music arts at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo., in 1955, and a master's in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

He taught music in the Sikeston junior and senior high schools 30 years, and helped form and directed the Sikeston High School Concert Choir. He took high school choir students from Southeast Missouri to Europe for three summers.

Beaver gave piano lessons and directed the Sikeston Community Choir 20 years, and played for the Sikeston Little Theatre musical productions many years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and directed the choir more than 25 years.

He served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, Mike Beaver of Arizona, Gary Beaver of Florida; and a grandson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. today.

Graveside rites will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Harold Norton officiating.