Don Beavers

Doniphan Dean Beavers was born July 12, 1919, in Davenport, Neb., to Maude Rathbun Beavers and Gardie Beavers. He graduated from Davenport High School, where he was active in football and track. He worked in Portwoods Store in Davenport, and then managed a grocery in Fairfield, Neb., before working at the naval depot in Hastings. In 1939, Don was married to Rosella Heller. They were parents to twins, Max and Maxine and sons, Graten and Doug. In 1944 he was the first married father from Thayer County to be drafted into the Navy. He served on an LDS; The USS Carter Hall in the Pacific. He was discharged in 1946 and purchased a grocery store in Fairmont, Neb., that year. He expanded until five buildings were connected to include dry goods, a variety store and grocery store. Don was a member of United Methodist Church, Masons, Oddfellows, Elks, and Moose. He organized and coached the first little league baseball team in Fairmont. In 1975, they moved to Colorado where he assisted his family in their grocery stores. Don always enjoyed going to Beavers Market to visit with the employees and customers. He and Rosella enjoyed traveling, football games, horse racing and spending time with his family. They especially enjoyed the shipmates annual reunion of the USS Carter Hall. Don is survived by his wife, Rosella; daughter, Maxine; sons, Max Sandy of Livermore, Graten of Kearney, Neb., and Doug Cheryl of Fort Collins; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He also is survived by a brother, Gardie Jr. Betty of Carlton, Neb. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christ United Methodist Church, 301 E. Drake. Graveside services with military honors by the All Fort Collins Veterans Honor Guard will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Grandview Cemetery. Those who desire may view Mr. Beavers from noon to 7 p.m. Friday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Contributions may be made to The American Legion or Christ United Methodist Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colo. 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .