Bernard A. Beach

Bernard A. Beach went to meet his Lord on Friday, July 24, 2015 in Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 31, 1926 in Westphalia, Texas to Eugene and Marie (Sokoloski) Beach. Bernard attended school in Westphalia, Olfen, and Rowena. He then served his country in the army during World War II and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Bernard married the love of his life, Grace Hoelscher, on June 2, 1948 in St. Boniface Church in Olfen, and they had a wonderful 67 years together.

Bernard worked as an auto technician for 43 years. He and his wife, Grace, had their own shop for the last 10 of those years. He also was a farmer and rancher. He was a charter member and president of the Rowena Fire Department and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the American Legion (Pat Williams Post 8) and commander of the post for four years. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Rupert, Norbert, and Daniel; and sisters, Catherine Lange and Julitta Holtman.

Bernard is survived by his loving wife, Grace; a son, Gregory Beach and wife Sara of Bandera; daughters, Judy Lowe and husband Billy Don of Ballinger, and Karla Byrd and husband Randy E. of San Angelo; grandchildren, Brad Beach (JoAnne), Monica Beach (Manuel), Alice Dalton (Stephen), Brian Lowe (Amber), Aaron Lowe (Dana), Randy L. Byrd (Vicky), and Stacy Byrd; and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Eugenia Lange of Rowena, Margie Zentner of Rowena, and Anna-Marie Haechten and husband Marvin of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends will be Monday, July 27, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm prior to the 7:00 pm Rosary, both held at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. A Celebration Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 28, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rowena, with Fr. Ariel Lagunilla, and Fr. Hugh Wade concelebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Neices and nephews will be pallbearers.

The family requests that memorials be made to Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center or St. Joseph Church, Rowena.