Robert Owen Beauchamp

A Visitation of Remembrance for Robert Owen Beauchamp, 86, of Decatur, AL will be Thursday July 24, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Greenview, IL. Mr. Beauchamp, who died Sunday, July 12, 2008, at his residence, was born June 27, 1922, in Illinois to Claude E. Beauchamp and Ida Horn Beachamp. Mr. Beauchamp was a veteran who proudly served his country. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps - Training Command on Oct. 13, 1942, at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, Mo. He was a B24 aircraft mechanic assigned to the 448th Bomb Group, Squadron 713, European Theater of Operations in East Anglia, England. He was recognized for several successful missions during his tour of duty before being given an Honorable Discharge on Sept. 5, 1945. During the Cold War Era, Mr. Beauchamp joined the Illinois Air National Guard. He enlisted on March 7, 1949, at Springfield, IL, and was assigned to the 170th Fighter Squadron where he remained until his discharge in 1952. The remainder of his career was with Curtis-Wright Aeronautical Corp. as an aircraft engine representative working primarily with the military. He loved teaching the new recruits and being around his beloved airplanes. In retirement, Mr. Beauchamp was a much loved member of the North Alabama Chapter of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society. He was a member of their Speaker's Panel and has spoken with thousands of students and teachers. For years he did the briefing presentation at the Veteran's Memorial Museum in Huntsville. On Saturday mornings, he would give the briefing to young recruits from Redstone Arsenal. He was quite honored to be able to speak with the young people that would follow in the footsteps of so many before them to serve our great nation. His wife, Louise Massey Beauchamp, preceded him in death. Survivors include three daughters, Barbara K. Beauchamp (Nelson Petrey) of Carlsbad, CA, Beverly Snavely Conrad (George) of Huntingdon, PA, and Penny Beauchamp of San Dimas, CA; one sister, Shirley Mangold of Mason City, IL; and two grandchildren, Wayne and Lisa Snavely. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Alabama Center for Military History/Veterans Memorial Museum Attn: Randy Withrow, 2060A Airport Road, Huntsville, AL 35801.

Robert Owen Beauchamp

June 27, 1922 - July 12, 2008

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