Jay "Leland" Beers' Obituary
Jay “Leland” Beers, 96, of Dresden, Ohio died Thursday morning, February 23, 2012 at Clay House in Zanesville, Ohio.
He was born on the family farm May 30, 1915 in Madison Township, near Dresden, the son of the late Melvah and Effie (Beck) Beers and was a 1934 graduate of Jefferson High School. He grew up near Prospect United Methodist church and was a former member of the church. In his younger years he worked as a farmer, coal miner and was a foreman at the Bush Woolen Mill in Dresden. Leland owned and operated Beers’ Garage & Used Car lot in Dresden for 50 years and was a collector and restorer of antique cars. He later opened Beers Museum. Leland was known as the local historian who had accumulated a wealth of pictures and written information regarding Muskingum County. He wrote poetry that was published in various media and he authored “Towpath Topsy”, a historical fiction book depicting life during the canal days near Dresden.
On Easter Sunday, March 24, 1940 in West Lafayette, Ohio Leland married Ruth Eleanor (Frame) Beers. Mrs. Beers died July 4, 2006. Leland has gone to be with his maker and to reunite with his wife in eternal peace. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Easterday.
Surviving are two sons, Donald (Betty) Beers of Nashport, Ohio and Robert L. (Lois) Beers of Ft. Collins, Colorado; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren.
Calling hours will be 5 to 8pm Monday, February 27, 2012 at the Dresden Chapel of Vensil & Chute Funeral Home, 714 Main Street.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the funeral home with the Rev. Greg Inboden officiating. Burial will be in Dresden Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dresden Public Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
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