Mr Gary Beene

Gary Dale Beene, of Le Grand, California, retired educator and farmer, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 7, 2018. Gary was born October  14, 1947 in Madera, California. He graduated from Merced High School in 1965 and from Fresno State College in 1970. He was preceded in death by his parents Welton Beene and Gladys Wilson-Beene Jordan, his brother Larry Beene, his father-in-law Vern Godfrey and his sister-in-law Jenelle Godfrey Huffman. Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Anyone who knew Gary would know that faith and family were the two most important things in his life. After graduating from Fresno State College, he was a classroom teacher and school administrator in Dos Palos, Chowchilla, and Plainsburg, California. He retired from education to farm walnuts in Le Grand. 

Gary faithfully served as an elder at the Sunset Church of Christ in Madera, California, for many years. He ministered to people and congregations throughout the San Joaquin Valley. His greatest God given gifts were listening, mentoring, discipling, serving, and encouraging others. If you had to describe him in one word it would be servant. He especially enjoyed working with young people in his congregation and at Yosemite Bible Camp.  Gary was known for his love of learning and teaching God’s Word.

Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years Paula of Le Grand, three sons Britt (Andrea) of Rupert Idaho, Aaron (Elisa) of Atwater California, and Matt (Brooke) of Fresno California. He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren, Cassie, Clayton, Courtney, Aidan, Cooper, Caleb, Mikyla, Cora Faith, Ethan, Adelaide, Andrew, and his mother-in-law Esther Godfrey.

Graveside services will be held Friday, July 20, 2018, 9:00 a.m. at Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 Gillette Avenue, Merced, California.  A celebration of Gary’s life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Sunset Church of Christ, 600 Orchard, Madera California. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yosemite Bible Camp care of Sunset Church of Christ, 600 Orchard, Madera California, 93637.

His family would like to express their appreciation for the, prayers, love, and support of friends and family especially the Sunset Church of Christ in Madera, California.