Gurney Beeman

Gurney Philander Beeman went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Ruby Memorial Hospital at the age of 82.

"Phil" was born in Frostburg, MD and was the son of Gurney A. and Alberta Wellings Beeman. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Kay E. Sutter, sisters-in-law Harriett S. King, Lou Anne DeShong, Julie Beeman. He is survived by his brother, Robert W. Beeman of Aurora, CO.

Phil was a graduate of Beall High School and attended Frostburg State College. He went on to sell insurance for Metropolitan Life and later retail management. He was a merchandise manager for W.T. Grant Company in Delaware and Maryland from February 1962 until January of 1976. He then began a 47 year career with Naylor's Hardware. He retired February 9, 2023. During the 70's and 80's Phil could also be seen most anywhere photographing local community events, weddings and reunions. This love for photography quickly became a part-time job. Additionally, he also began photo processing in a in-home photography "darkroom."

In 1964, he married Paula Lynne McCullough, who also preceded him in death, July 9, 2015. Together they had a daughter, Lauri Whetzel, married to Scott L. Whetzel and a son, Brian Beeman. Phil also had four grandchildren Kaela Whetzel, Arian (Dylan) Harden, Alex (Brooke) Whetzel and Austin (Katie) Whetzel. Additionally, Phil had three great-grandchildren Lucas, Jessa and Adalynne, with another great-granddaughter due in November.

As a youth, Phil was active in Boy Scouts and earn the ranking of Eagle Scout in 1958. He was also an avid swimmer and spent summers lifeguarding at various 4H camps. He spoke often of the summer spent in Maine as a lifeguard.

Phil was a member of the Frostburg United Methodist Church where he was active with the United Methodist Men, Trustees and Finance Committee. He was also a member of Mountain Chapter #99 Masonic Order and Mountain Chapter #15 Order of the Eastern Star. During his time in the Eastern Star he held various positions, including Grand Patron of the state of Maryland for the year 2007-2008 and was also a Grand Representative to the State of Colorado.

Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave. Frostburg is handling the arrangements. Visitation will occur Friday from 2:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. and from 6:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. Funeral services will take place at 7:00p.m. with Reverend Dr. Kyle Durbin Officiating. Additionally, services will be provided by the Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. Interment will occur privately, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CAMP HOPE (a organization very close to his heart) P.O. Box 420 Frostburg, MD, Mountain Chapter #15 Order of the Eastern Star - Estarl Fund or the Kay E. Sutter English Scholarship at Frostburg State University.