Rolla Edward Beeman was born September 27,1947 in St. Louis, Missouri to Rolla Edward Beeman Sr. and Sarah Jeanette Emerson Beeman. Rolla's childhood was spent in Berkeley, Missouri where he attended Holman Elementary, Berkeley High School and Florissant Valley Community College. He worked briefly for the MacDonald Douglas Corporation before joining the Navy in October of 1967. After serving at several stations, he ultimately ended up at Brunswick Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine.
While stationed in Maine he met his future wife, Cheryl Anne Swiger. Rolla and Cheryl were married on June 14,1969 at Holy Cross Church in South Portland, Maine. Their son Christopher was born April 30th of the following year.
Rolla remained in the military until February 1971, returned to his hometown with his wife and son, and worked for North American Rockwell while continuing his education.
The family eventually returned to Maine and in 1972 Rolla began his 42 year career with Pine State Elevator in Portland, Maine.
Rolla enjoyed a number of hobbies fishing, ice fishing (where he never met a hole in the ice that he didn't step in), flying model planes, kites and helicopters. Rolla and his son Chris built and raced radio controlled cars. They also enjoyed snowmobiling, but their greatest pleasure was fishing in Casco Bay on their boat. Rolla was a great dad and totally enjoyed the time he spent with his son.
Rolla also spent a great deal of time with his second family, the employees of Pine State Elevator. Rolla truly cared about the people there. They were so kind and supportive during Rolla's illness.
Rolla and Cheryl enjoyed traveling. He had hoped to purchase a motor home and travel the United States when he retired.
Rolla was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jane and her husband Dave of Missouri, his mother and father in law Walter and Beulah Swiger, sister in law Elizabeth, brother in law James and niece Anna and nephew Steven all of Maine.
Rolla is survived by his wife Cheryl, son Chris, sister in law Susan and several nieces and nephews here in Maine, his brother Richard and wife Linda, sister Joyce and husband Robert and brother Randy and wife Ann, several nieces and nephews, all of Missouri.
The Beeman family wishes to express their sincere thanks to those who made Rolla's days last so much easier. Per Rolla's request there will be no service, Rolla's ashes will be returned to Missouri for burial later this year.