Obituary of Justin Leo Beeson

Justin Leo Beeson, 94, of Morgantown, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Suites at Heritage Point. He was born in Des Moines, IA on September 6, 1930, a son to the late Earl and Johanna Beeson.

He attended elementary and Dowling High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and later attended Grandview College and Iowa State University, graduating in Chemical Engineering in 1954.

Over his career he worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio and Logan, Ohio. He returned to Iowa State University for graduate studies in Chemical Engineering, receiving a PhD in 1973. He then worked several years for The Institute of Gas Technology in Chicago, Illinois in research and development on coal gasification and liquefaction technology.

He then moved to Kansas City, Missouri to accept a position in energy research with Midwest Research Institute. In 1984, he moved to Morgantown, West Virginia to work on Clean Coal Technology research and development with the U.S. Department of Energy in Morgantown, WV until his retirement in 1996.

Throughout his life Justin was interested in music, he played piano, harpsichord and organ, sang in church choirs, and later rang in the handbell choir of Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown.

Justin was a long-time member of The American Chemical Society, The American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and was a licensed professional engineer in Iowa and Illinois. In retirement he enjoyed volunteer activities as a member of Suncrest United Methodist Church, as well as being a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Rosanna Harpest of Aurora, Illinois, Mark Lichtenberger of Colfax, North Carolina, Phil Lichtenberger of Thousand Oaks, California, Cheryle Lichtenberger of Naperville, Illinois; seven step grandchildren; and three step great grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Msgr. Lawrence Beeson of Johnston, Iowa; one sister, Rachel Norton of Davenport, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Justin was preceded in death by his loving wife, LaVonne; two brothers, Robert Earl Beeson of Winter Haven, Florida and Everett Beeson of Overland Park, Kansas; and one sister, Sister Rachel Beeson of Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport, Iowa.

Friends and family will be received at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd. in Morgantown on Saturday, March 29th from 10AM until the time of the memorial service at 11AM with Pastor Larry Buckland officiating. 

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hastings Funeral Home. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com