James Earl Beeler, age 81, of Troy, passed away Monday afternoon, December 8, 2003 at St. Mary's Hospital in Clayton, Missouri. Mr. Beeler was a retired boilermaker. James was born August 22, 2003 in Taylor Springs, Illinois to Joseph Earl and Mary (Nee Clelland) Beeler. They preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Lola May (nee Willhoyte) Beeler, whom he married July 28, 1945. They lived in Washington Park for 46 years after their marriage and moved to Troy 12 years ago. He enjoyed fishing, watching and playing baseball and was a Cardinals' baseball fan. He was fond of spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his son, Jeffry of Edwardsville; two daughter, Marsha (William) Luczaj of Troy, and Melissa (Brian) AuBuchon of COllinsville; one brother, Donald (Melva) Beeler of Irving, IL; and one sister, Betty McMillin of Collinsville. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, Andrea (Mike) Mateer of Edwardsville, Angela (Traig) Henson of Edwardsville, James "J" (Amanda Harris) Beeler of Collinsville, Brett (Kelli) Lovell of Thayer, IL, Jill (Jacob) Blanton of Pawnee, IL, Alexa and Ethan AuBuchon of Collinsville; and 9 great grandchildren, Jessica and Brooke Coleman, Shae Mateer, Ashleigh, TJ, and Trevor Henson, Kaleb and Kaden Beeler, and Madysen Blanton.

James was preceded in death by a brother, Jackie L. Beeler and a sister, Kathryn Brady and her husband, Jack.

Private Services will be held with interment at Lakeview Memorial Gardens and Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to National Children's Cancer Society, 1015 Locust, Suite 600, St. Louis, MO 63101.