Harold Beery

Harold F. Beery (“Hal”) 97, died March 16, 2015, of natural causes. Hal was born on May 30, 1917, in Salem, Iowa, to Leah and Floyd Beery. He was a skilled high school and college basketball player and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College in 1939 and attended graduate school at the University of Illinois where his plans for the future were altered with the gathering storm clouds of WWII. Hal enlisted as a flying cadet in June 1940 with the U.S. Army Air Corps and graduated with his pilot wings in February1941 at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas. He was greatly influenced by his uncle, Levi Beery, who was a pilot and had enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1917. Hal married his high school sweetheart Martha Montgomery in May 1941 and they had two children, Sue and David. Hal continued his distinguished military career for 27 years and Martha created a home for the family during his numerous base assignments. Later in their 59 year marriage Hal supported Martha and provided her with loving care during her courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was a dedicated volunteer with the San Antonio Alzheimer's Association and was presented with the Volunteer of the Year Award from the City of San Antonio for his many years of faithful service. Hal's military career included serving as a B-24 aircraft commander in the Pacific Theater during World War II for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in March 1943 for flying 40 bombing missions in the Aleutian Islands. He was a B-29 instructor pilot after returning from the Aleutians in 1943, a B-29 aircraft commander while flying bombing missions during the Korean War, and a B-47 aircraft commander during the Cold War. In 1958 Hal was selected for the Jupiter Missile Program and was stationed in Taranto, Italy and in 1961was transferred to Malmstrom AFB (Great Falls, MT) where he was the Commanding Officer of the 12th Strategic Missile Squadron with the Minuteman missile program. Upon retirement from the Air Force in 1968 he moved to San Antonio, TX where he was employed for several years by the City of San Antonio as a health inspector. Hal enjoyed attending military reunions, was a member of the Order of Daedalians, the Commemorative Air Force Association, and was an active member in Kiwanis. In 2012 Hal was moved to Billings, MT to receive care and support from his children. Hal was an avid golfer and proudly displayed his “hole in one” trophy. He was a regular at the Friday night putting contests at the Windcrest Country Club in San Antonio. Hal could always be found on the dance floor whenever his favorite song “Kansas City” was being played. Hal was a loving husband and father, and the epitome of a true gentleman. Survivors include his daughter Sue [Billings, MT], his son David (Cathy) [Laurel, MT], grandchildren David (Jylian) great grandchildren Elias and Ava [Cottonwood, AZ], Chris [Billings, MT], Grace Johns(Chad) [Spokane, WA], a nephew Pete Turbett (Marlys)[Mt. Pleasant, IA], a niece Marilyn Leveling (John) [Ft. Madison, IA] and a niece Pat Shaffner [West Burlington, IA]. Hal is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Margaret. Cremation has taken place and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date in Salem, IA. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel, and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.