Published: July 18, 2008 10:03 pm            

Samuel E. Beecher Jr.

Samuel E. Beecher Jr., 89, former attorney and resident of Terre Haute, died Thursday, July 17, 2008, in Milton, Pa., succumbing to several long-term illnesses. He was born Aug. 1, 1918, in Terre Haute, to Samuel E. Beecher and Katherine Swope. Mr. Beecher was a 1936 graduate of Garfield High School, and president of the National Honor Society at the time of his graduation. He went on to Indiana State Teachers College for pre-law from 1936 to 1938, whereupon he transferred to the Indiana Law School in Indianapolis. He graduated with his Bachelor of Law degree in 1941, and was valedictorian of his class. Mr. Beecher was admitted to the Indiana Bar Association July 1941, and was later admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court in April 1955. Until his retirement in February 2002, Mr. Beecher was a fourth-generation attorney in Terre Haute. After admittance to the Indiana Bar Association, and until he established his own private practice in 1947, he practiced law with his father, having served shortly on active duty with the U.S. Army from May 1942 to August 1942, then as a member of the Indiana State Guard Reserve from October 1942 until August 1945.

Between 1942 and 1947, Mr. Beecher worked also at the Concan Ordnance Company, a war industry, and for the Stran Steel Division of Great Lakes Steel Corporation. Between 1945 and 1947, he worked as an associate attorney for the United States Veterans’ Administration.

Starting in 1952, and for 22 years thereafter, Mr. Beecher was secretary for the Terre Haute Bar Association, and he served as a member of the House of Delegates and as parliamentarian for the Indiana State Bar Association. Mr. Beecher was active in public affairs. He prepared Articles of Incorporation for the Wayne Newton American Legion Post 346, becoming a charter member himself, creating the first World War II-related American Legion Post established in Indiana. He served on the Board of Indiana State Girl Scout Council to assist in merging the Illinois and Indiana Councils to form the Covered Bridge Council. During the 1960s, Mr. Beecher served on the Continental Board of the Unitarian Universalist Church of America and assisted in establishing the “Black Affairs Council.” In 1970, he received the Wabash Valley Labor Council’s “Distinguished Citizen Award” as a friend of labor after he assisted with incorporating the Eugene V. Debs Foundation. For many years, he served on the Boards of the Vigo County Humane Society and Vigo County Red Cross. He also served as president of the Terre Haute Community Theater, as well as being cast in several plays.

He was a guest instructor from 1966 through 1971 at Indiana State University, teaching criminal law. From 1966 until 1978, he also taught “Law and Banking” for the American Institute of Banking to bankers from Illinois and Indiana. Mr. Beecher served as legal advisor to the Terre Haute Police Department from 1974 to 1979. Mr. Beecher was an avid private pilot for many years. He prepared the incorporation papers for Sky King Airport for his longtime friend, Herman Brown.

He was married to Margaret Mitchell, in July 1941, and had three children. Mr. Beecher was preceded in death by his son, CWO Quentin R. Beecher (US Army, 1st Air Cavalry Division; MIA in Vietnam June 11, 1967, subsequently declared dead June 11, 1973); and by his sister, Bettie Katherine Beecher Wright, in September 1988.

Survivors include his sister, Rosalie Beecher of Milton.; two daughters, Roberta A. Brown of Milton and Elizabeth K. (Libby) Schultz of Broomfield, Colo.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Interment will be in Roselawn Cemetery in North Terre Haute, preceded by a memorial service, the date to be announced. In lieu of flowers for the memorial service, his daughters request donations be made to the Quentin R. Beecher Memorial Scholarship Fund at Indiana State University.

        

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