George Thomas Beech

George Thomas Beech died Sunday, June 26, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born November 9, 1931, in Lansing, MI, son of John L. and Lilian M. (Woods) Beech.

After growing up in Lansing MI, he attended Michigan State University, earned a PhD at Johns Hopkins University, then found a career as a professor in the History Department and Medieval Institute at Western Michigan University. He took sabbatical leaves in France and loved travelling with his wife after retirement. He loved classical music and played the piano for many years. He was a devoted father and a loving grandfather.

He loved historical research and was truly a history detective for European medieval history. Two items he was especially proud of are: deducing the provenance of the Eleanor of Aquitaine rock crystal vase, and a theory for the origins of the Bayeux tapestry.

George was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen Beas; brother, David Beech; and grandson Daniel Garcia-Beech. On June 19, 1954, George married the former Beatrice Hibbard who survives. Also surviving are their children, Valerie Beech (David Phillips), Rebecca Beech, and Theresa Beech (Jeffrey Divers); grandchildren, CPT Evan Phillips (Tyler Loughran), Zoe Phillips, Sara Garcia-Beech, and Cory Phillips; his sister, Anne Beech (Rab MacWilliam); and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 Saturday morning, July 2, 2022, in St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. Graveside committal services will follow at 12:00 in Little Fish Lake Cemetery, Cassopolis. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view George's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com