Super Wildcat fan Al Beeler dies at 94 (April 2008)

Super Wildcat fan Al Beeler dies at 94 (April 2008)

http://www.newsregister.com/news/story.cfm?story_no=233227

Al Beeler dies at 94

Published: April 3, 2008

By Starla Pointer, McMinnville, Ore., News-Register

Longtime McMinnville businessman Al Beeler died this morning in McMinnville. He was 94.

Beeler came to McMinnville as a Linfield College student in the 1930s. During college, he played drums with dance bands that performed downtown.

Once he sat in with the nationally known Freddie Martin Band, featuring pianist Merv Griffin, when it visited McMinnville for a dance. He even had his own band at Linfield, Al Beeler's Campus Knights.

While still a college student, he went to work for Hamblin Wheeler, the Man's Shop. He eventually became owner of the popular downtown clothing store and continued to operate the business until his retirement.

Beeler was a 72-year member of the McMinnville Elks Lodge. He remained active at the local, state and national levels, and recently spoke at a state Elks convention.

He had served as exalted ruler of the local lodge and president of the state Elks organization. He was inducted to the Elks Hall of Fame in 1990.

Over the years, Beeler especially enjoyed helping with projects related to young people. He was proud of the Elks' major state project, the Casey Eye Clinic, and of the youth hoop shoot that started in Oregon and has become a nationwide event.

Beeler had just been installed as McMinnville Lodge 1283's leading knight, heading up charitable activities. A former state youth activity chairman, he also was proud of the organization's ability to raise so much money for scholarships.

"Everybody likes Al," said Gary Anderson, president of the McMinnville Lodge. Anderson said he had encouraged Beeler to accept his latest post, knowing "his wisdom and spirit would inspire new members and old."

Arrangements are pending with Macy & Son Funeral Directors.