Robert Elvin Beach, son of Leon and Elsie (Yonker) Beach, was born on October 29, 1923 on the family farm south of Norwich, Iowa. Bob quietly passed away on July 15, 2011 at Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah at the age of 87.

He graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1941. He attended Clarinda Junior College in Clarinda, Iowa, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. Bob was a Navigator on a B-24 bomber from 1941 to 1946, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant. After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended Iowa State University before returning to the family farm where he spent the remainder of his life.

On August 1, 1948, Bob was united in marriage to Helen Loy Ashbaugh. To this union were born four children, Richard, Mary Ann, Robert Jr., and John.

He was avid believer in soil conservation practices and over the years had many miles of terraces built on the farm. He enjoyed traveling and he and Loy took many interesting trips, never wanting to go to the same place twice. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying small airplanes. Later his hobbies included photography, painting, playing the organ and making stained glass hangings. He was a member of the Shenandoah First United Methodist Church, American Legion Post #88, American Legion Post #88 Color Guard, and the Shenandoah Elks Lodge #1122.

Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, George, William and Loren; sister, Joan Bennett; two sons, Richard and John; and an infant granddaughter.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loy; daughter, Mary Ann Brannen and her husband Terry of Des Moines, IA; son, Robert Beach, Jr., of Coin, IA; three grandchildren, Christopher Beach and wife Shana, Carrie Kruse and husband Tyler and Timothy Brannen and fiance Kerri Risdal.

Memorials are being directed to either the Shenandoah American Legion Post #88 Color Guard or to the Shenandoah First United Methodist Church.