Ben F. Beach

Ben F. Beach, 99, of Columbia, formerly of Mexico, died at 9:03 a.m. Thursday, April 26, 2007, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Mr. Beach was born on June 2, 1907, in Cottonwood Falls, Kans., a son of Seth William and Grace (Burcham) Beach. On Sept. 2, 1939, in Kansas City, he married Josephine Garnet Graham who died on Jan. 7, 2006. In 1950 they purchased the T. M. James and Sons China Importing Company in Kansas City. He and his wife ran the company until he retired in 1968. They enjoyed traveling around the world to locate and buy merchandise for the company. One of the Beach s greatest joys was spending time together as husband and wife and as business partners.

He was a member of Mexico United Methodist Church, a former member of the Kansas City Club, Milburn Golf and County Club, DeMolay Legion of Honor, the Shrine (Masonic Commandery), and Past President of the Optimist Club. He was an avid golfer and fisherman. Recently Mr. Beach had made significant philanthropic contributions including to his church and the Presser Hall Restoration Society in memory of his wife.

Survivors include one brother, Harry S. Beach, Wichita, Kans.; two nieces, J. Girland Branstetter, Wellsville, and Dorcas Graham, Jefferson City; and several great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, his parents, brother, and sister preceded him in death.