Richard W. "Dick" Beale, 81, a lifetime resident of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away July 21, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 1933 to George Oscar and Edith (Cowles) Beale, in Hutchinson. Richard attended schools in Hutchinson and graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1950 and Hutchinson Community College in 1952. While attending Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, he was drafted into the Army. He proudly served his country, stationed in Germany, at the end of the Korean War. He had many fond memories of Germany, which he often shared with his family.
After returning to the United States, he worked in several places until he began employment at Cessna Fluid Power in Hutchinson. He worked at Cessna/Eaton Corporation until his retirement in February, 2000. He also worked as a supervisor for RGIS Inventory Services and the Hutchinson News during his later years.
Richard was a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church, Hutchinson. Most recently had had been attending First Church of the Nazarene, Hutchinson, where his grandchildren attend.
Richard was a lifetime member of Boy Scouts of America, serving in various capacities throughout his life. He was a Scout Master and Committee member. He earned the Eagle Scout Award, was a member of Scouting's National Honor Society, the Order of the Arrow, and was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2000, which is given for distinguished service to young people at the local council level. Until his stroke in 2011, he was a very active member of Troop 301 of the Presbyterian Church.
Richard was also a member of the Hutchinson Jaycees from 1959-1968, serving as a National Director and national Committeeman, as well as being the President of the local chapter. He belonged to the Elks Club (where he served as Exalted Ruler), the Moose Lodge and the American Legion. He served for 40 years on a committee for the NJCAA Basketball Tournament. He was an avid golfer, bowler, loved watching football and basketball, loved to travel and was a collector of trains and miniature farm equipment. He loved attending as many of his grandchildren's activities as possible.
He is survived by his wife and companion of more than 35 years, Paula Maxfield, of the home, 2 sons, Daniel Maxfield, Hutchinson and Justin Maxfield, Wichita, grandchildren, Katie Juarez, South Carolina, Kelsi Juarez, Hutchinson, Darian Maxfield, of the home, Harley Maxfield, of the home, Paige Maxfield, Andover, and four honorary grandchildren, Piper, Willow, Tucker, and Meadow Schlatter, Hutchinson. He is also survived by sisters, Helen Gregg, Wichita, Velma Geist, Hutchinson, and a brother, Larry Beale, Winfield.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 4:00 PM Saturday, August 2nd at First Church of the Nazarene, Hutchinson, with Pastors Josh Moor and Mark Hall presiding. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Troop 301, in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson.