Earl C. Beeks, Sr.

A lifetime educator passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 in St. Louis, MO.

Mr. Earl C. Beeks was born to Lewis and Virgie Lee Beeks on July 11, 1926 in St. Louis, MO.

Mr. Beeks attended the St. Louis Public Schools.

While attending Vashon High School he was very active and excelled in all sports, the concert choir and class plays.  Mr. Beeks was a member of the National Honor Society and president of the 1944 graduating class.

Mr. Beeks joined Metropolitan AME Zion Church at the age of seven years old and remained active in the church programs including Sunday School, Junior and Cathedral Choir, Bible School, Christian Endeavor, Steward Board, and served on The Lucas Heights Board of Directors.

While attending Lincoln University from 1944 to 1948 he excelled in academics.  He also was selected as an All-Midwest Conference athlete.  As a sophomore he was initiated into The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. After receiving his B.S. degree he entered Washington University in St. Louis, MO and received a Master’s degree.

As an educator, Mr. Beeks’ career began as the principal of Carver Elementary School in Fulton, MO.   Later he taught and coached at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, and Vashon High School in       St. Louis.  Mr. Beeks was the first African America principal of University City High School and later promoted to the position of Director of Student Services until he retired.

Mr. Beeks is survived by Audele Beeks his beloved wife of 66 years of marriage, his daughter             Anita Barner, Ph. D., (Dr. Robert) of Los Angeles, CA, Earl, Jr., M.D. (Dr. Esther) of St. Louis, MO, Grandchildren Tasceaie, Ph.D. (Jason, Ph. D.), Alexis (Michael), Michaun, Robert, Jr., Earl III, Victoria and David, Great grandchildren Sarah and Rio.

The Wake will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Services will be held on                    Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 9:30 AM starting with The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Memorial Service followed by the funeral service at 10:00 AM.

All services will be held at Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, 613 N. Garrison, St. Louis, MO. Internment at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5200 Lucas and Hunt Road, Jennings, MO.

Services entrusted to Randle and Sons Funeral Home: 4600 Natural Bridge Ave., 314.381.2400.