Gardie "Junior" Beavers

February 28, 1925 - September 23, 2021

Gardie Beavers, Jr. was born at Davenport, Nebraska on February 28, 1925 to Gardie, Sr. & Maude (Rathbun) Beavers. He passed away at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler, Nebraska on September 23, 2021 at the age of 96 years, 6 months, and 26 days. Gardie attended school in Davenport and graduated from Davenport High School with the class of 1942. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for one year and on October 28, 1943 he joined the Naval Air Corps. During World War II, he trained at various bases in the United States. On August 1, 1945, he graduated with his wings of gold as a fighter pilot from the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. After his honorable discharge from the service on December 20, 1945, he and his brother Don purchased a grocery store in Fairmont, Nebraska. On June 2, 1946, he and Betty Jean Saylor were united in marriage. In 1948, the couple moved to Carleton where Gardie joined his father-in-law in farming. Four children were blessed to this union: Lynda, Thomas, Nancy, and Robert. Gardie was a member of the Bethel Church, a 76 year member of the Carleton American Legion, past Mason member, served on the Carleton School Board, and was the emcee for the Carleton Milo Days Celebration for many years. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends including playing cards at the Carleton Café and attending the many activities of his family. Gardie was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law Don Woodcock; brothers Loyal Beavers and wife Faye, Dale Beavers and wife Gertrude, Virgil Beavers and wife Eleanor, Don Beavers and wife Rosella; and sister Cleo Beavers. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Betty of Carleton, Nebraska; daughter Lynda Woodcock of Washington, Kansas, son Tom Beavers of Carleton, Nebraska, daughter Nancy Heinrichs and husband Rod of Carleton, Nebraska, son Bob Beavers and wife Becky of Carleton, Nebraska; grandchildren Tim Woodcock and wife Amy of Fredonia, Kansas, Tony Woodcock and wife Lori of Ames, Iowa, Trent Woodcock and wife Shanna of Hutchinson, Kansas, Staci Peters and husband Schuyler of Washington, Kansas, Nicole Powell and husband Travis of Central City, Nebraska, Brad Heinrichs and wife Renae of Bruning, Nebraska, Landon Heinrichs and wife Leann of Hebron, Nebraska, Belinda Larson and husband Brett of Trumbull, Nebraska, Bonnie Behrends and husband Blayne of Auburn, Nebraska, Brett Beavers of Carleton, Nebraska, Bethany Neuhart and husband Jordan of Hastings, Nebraska; great grandchildren Ethan Woodcock, Emily Ehrlich and husband Ryan, Noah Woodcock, Carter and Callie Woodcock, Ben Levi, and Sam Woodcock, Jordy and Jessa Peters, Kaylee, Luke and Brianna Powell, Ellie, Sophia, and Hudson Heinrichs, Laiden, Laik, Lextin, Livia, and Laina Heinrichs, Tristan, Preston, and Baylee Larson, Jalen, Brooklyn, and Lauren Behrends, Anthony, Jacob, and Owen Beavers, and Otto and Margaret Neuhart; special friends Rex, Teri and Adam Willmore; nieces, nephews and many friends. A Graveside Service for Gardie was held on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Carleton Cemetery. Pastor Mike Row presided over the Graveside. The recorded selections “The Old Rugged Cross” and “Anchors Aweigh” were played during the Graveside. Honorary Pallbearers for the service included Tim Woodcock, Tony Woodcock, Trent Woodcock, Brad Heinrichs, Landon Heinrichs, and Brett Beavers. Military Honors were provided by the Carleton American Legion Remmers Voss Post 329 and the Navy Honor Guard. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Carleton Fire Department.