William Edgar Beabout, known to all as "Bill," was born on September 12, 1935, in Vandalia, IL, to Morris and Ruth Beabout.  He grew up in a loving home with his siblings, Bob, Betty, and Jerry, and was a member of St. James Lutheran Church.  Bill attended Lincoln Elementary, Washington School, and McKinley Junior High before moving on to Vandalia High School, where he played basketball and made lifelong friends.

After graduating in 1953, Bill pursued a degree in Geology at Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL.  A natural leader, he served as president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and was recognized as the outstanding senior of the secret Octopus Club.  While at Monmouth, he met the love of his life, Cheryl Moore, who was the sweetheart of ATO.  After graduating, the two were married in August 1957.  That same summer, Bill became a Mason in his hometown of Vandalia.

Bill continued his studies at the University of Illinois at Champaign, working toward a master's in Geology.  However, after discussion of lack of job opportunities stateside and wanting to avoid moving to Venezuela, Bill pivoted to a different path.  His father, Morris, was thrilled when Bill chose to manage one of the family's service stations in Greenville, IL.

As Bill and Cheryl began building their life together, they welcomed their first child, Scott, in 1962.  His career then took them to Fairview Heights, where he worked at East St. Louis Stone Company, a quarry in Belleville, and where their daughter Leann was born in 1963.  In 1967, Bill took a position with Joy Manufacturing, prompting another move—this time to Farmington, MO, to be closer to the mines in the Lead Belt.  There, they welcomed their youngest, Michelle, in 1969, and soon after, Bill and Cheryl purchased a farm.  Following in his father's footsteps, Bill raised a herd of Angus cattle at Silhouette Acres, embracing the hard work and joy that came with it.

In 1977, Bill's career took off when he joined Fabick Tractor Company (Caterpillar Dealer) in heavy equipment sales, a role that would span 24 years.  The family relocated to Kirkwood, MO, in 1985, putting down new roots and making lifelong connections.

Bill was deeply engaged in every community he called home.  In Farmington, he served as a Mounted Sheriff's Deputy, a school board member, and an organizer of the July 4th fireworks event.  He was an active member of the Elks Lodge and loved ushering and serving at First Baptist Church Farmington, where the family attended for 16 years. His friendships were strong and lasting, and he and Cheryl formed the Missouri Snowhunters, a group that took annual Christmas snowmobiling trips.  Bill's CB handle was, fittingly, "Bulldozer."

In Kirkwood, Bill and Cheryl became active members of Kirkwood Baptist Church and again became very involved with their new local friends.  They bought their first lake house on Table Rock Lake near Branson.  As Bill transitioned into retirement, he took on roles that kept him connected and engaged, including working with Noel's Lake Country Marine of Kimberling City and EA Martin (Caterpillar Dealer) in Springfield, MO.  Bill held semi-retired positions as a step-on tour guide, treasurer of the neighborhood HOA, and finally assistant extraordinaire at Blake's Econolift.  Even in "retirement", he never stopped working, always lending a hand wherever needed.  Bill and Cheryl are members of First Baptist Kimberling City and formed deep friendships in several communities.

Bill found joy in being the ski boat driver for his family, bulldozing anything that needed moving, playing golf with his sons-in-law, and serving as "trail sweeper" (bringing up the rear) on group snowmobiling trips.  He was meticulous—his cars and garage were always spotless, his yard was free of sticks, and his dishwasher was loaded with precision.  Bill had a gift for fixing anything, whether it needed a little work or a complete overhaul.  NASCAR and NCAA Basketball were his favorite downtime activities.

More than anything, Bill was a man of deep faith, kindness, and service.  He was the definition of a community builder, known for his ability to bring people together—even the most stubborn among them—to accomplish a goal.  He never met a stranger and could find a connection with anyone he encountered.

On March 20, 2025, Bill passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with his family at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Morris Beabout; his siblings, Robert Beabout, Betty (Ron) Boehm, and Jerry Beabout; and his sons, Brian and Bradley.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Cheryl; his children, Scott Beabout (Amy), Leann Adams (Rich), and Michelle Iverson (Mike); his grandchildren, Drew Adams (Mollie), Wes Beabout (Laura), Collin Adams (Cortlyn), Clay Beabout (Lauren), Garrett Adams (Maddie), Sam Beabout, Emma Beabout, Mitchell Adams, Peter Iverson, Ian Iverson, Skylar Iverson, and Samantha Iverson; and his great-grandchildren, Owen Adams, Declan Adams, Finley Beabout, and Melvin Adams.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Beabout, along with countless dear friends and extended family members.

Bill's legacy is one of faith, integrity, hard work, and deep love for his family and friends.  He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

The family will receive friends from 5-7PM, Friday, April 11, 2025 at Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at First Baptist Church Branson, MO, beginning with a visitation from 10-11AM and service immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to https://makeafilmfoundation.org/ .  Cremation is under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.