Charles R. “Dick” Beadle, 81, of Big Rapids

Big Rapids - Charles R. “Dick” Beadle, 81, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, October 19, 2009 at his residence.

He was born December 13, 1927 in Hastings, the son of Lyle and Hattie (Brogan) Beadle, and graduated from Hastings High School in 1945. Having served for two years in the U.S. Navy, Dick enrolled in Pharmacy School at Ferris Institute . On August 26, 1950 he married Marian Davis of Big Rapids. Upon graduation from Ferris he was employed by Walgreen as a registered pharmacist in Benton Harbor, Kalamazoo and Jackson.

In 1953 Dick and Marian returned to Big Rapids where he was employed by Martz and Shapley Pharmacy. Soon thereafter Dick became a partner in the business and later sole owner. Over the years he was very active in the community to include being a charter member of the Big Rapids Jaycees, Member of Rotary International, the Ferris Alumni Association, Big Rapids Plan Board, Big Rapids Housing Commission, Home Hospice, Ferris Presidents Club, American and Michigan Pharmaceutical Associations, Meals on Wheels, member of AAA of Western Michigan Board, City of Big Rapids Dart Board, FSU Pharmacy Alumni Board, and Captain of Ushers at the United Church of Big Rapids.

Dick is survived by his loving wife Marian, son, Thomas (Susan) Beadle of Grosse Pointe Farms and daughter Barbara Beadle of Paw Paw .

A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday Oct. 22, 2009 at the United Church of Big Rapids with Rev. Jon Fleming officiating, interment at Highland View Cemetery. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10:00a.m.on Thursday. Memorials may be made to the United Church,  Hospice of Michigan,Mecosta Co. Community Foundation (Beadle Advised Fund) or the Ferris Foundation (Karlis Kazerovskis Scholarship).