Omar K. Beam

Omar Beam, 98, died peacefully in his home at Tel Hai Retirement Community on October 28, 2025, attended by his family.

Born August 19, 1927, to William and Ada (Hertzler) Beam, Morgantown, PA, Omar was the third of nine children. Though a good student, he left school in ninth grade to work on the family farm at his parents’ request. From a young age, Omar worked hard, spending days out in the fields with a team of mules and a packed lunch. He developed a keen sense of animal husbandry, along with a love for working the land and seeing the satisfaction of a good harvest.

On January 8, 1949, Omar married the love of his life, Ruth A. Stoltzfus. They welcomed five children into their home: Ken (Ken Robinette) Beam, Barbara (Steve) Wingfield, Charlene (Peter) Rutt, Diane Beam, and Nelson (Marilyn) Beam. Omar and Ruth shared 69 years of marriage, retiring to Tel Hai in 2015. Ruth passed away in 2018.

Omar and Ruth were farmers/small business owners in Elverson, PA. Though he never used a home computer, Omar operated a precision ag technology combine harvester until he was 91 years old. His heart never left the farm, and it was his favorite place to drive to in recent years. Just days before his passing, Omar inquired about the corn yield per acre.

Following Jesus Christ was foundational to Omar’s life, and he spent all his years as part of Conestoga Mennonite Church, which he served in many leadership roles. At home, Omar led his family in morning devotions and completed the reading of God’s Word, even if the children had to run down the lane to catch the school bus.

Omar enjoyed vacations at Buck Hollow Club, a cabin in Clinton County, watching Phillies baseball games, playing pinochle with friends, and serving as family historian. The most unforgettable Beam family vacation was a cross-country road trip to California in August 1965, driving a station wagon with no air conditioning.

Serving as West Nantmeal Township Supervisor for 38 years was part of Omar’s commitment to “improve your community.” West Nantmeal Park is a lasting testament to his visionary leadership. Omar also served on the board of directors of Conestoga Christian School and Tel Hai Retirement Community and provided leadership for Chester County 4-H clubs. Throughout his last decade, Omar volunteered at Mennonite Central Committee’s Reuzit shop, where he loved to restore clocks and mechanisms to functional use.

Omar is survived by his children, 11 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren, with one more arriving soon. He is survived by 4 siblings: Titus (Violet) Beam, Dale (Lil) Beam, Arlene Eberly, and Fran Gunzenhauser; and in-laws Lois Beam and Carol Beam. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, and 4 siblings: Susanna Snader, Daniel Beam, Glenn Beam, and James Beam. Omar is also survived by Ruth's siblings: Elsie Petersheim, Vera (Clayton) Styer, John Wilmer (Laurel) Stoltzfus, and Fern (Dennis) Clemmer.

Gifts may be given to Conestoga Mennonite Church or to the Tel Hai Care Assurance Fund, a benevolence fund Omar envisioned while serving on the Tel Hai board. Tel Hai, PO Box 190, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344 or online at telhai.org/give-online/

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 3:30 pm at Conestoga Mennonite Church, 2779 Main Street, Morgantown, PA, 19543, with visitation starting at 2:00 pm.

Link to live stream: https://www.youtube.com/live/EoD2EnAcquI