William J. "Little Beaver" Beaver

William J. “Little Beaver” Beaver

The leader of the band was tired and his eyes were growing old. On December 21st, 2018 he left this earth to join his wife of 62 years Marie. There he will again join the member of his “Little Beaver Band” Tom, Jerry and Leon to make music once again. They will all be singing Lumps, Lumps, Lumps with Teddy at the clean coal breaker in the sky.

Bill was born on January 14th, 1934 in Mt. Carmel son of the late Jerry and Helen (Penman) Beaver.

He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School where he played football and track for his beloved Red Tornadoes. After high school he graduated from Thadeus Stevens Trade School where he was a three sport athlete football, track and wrestling. He was a member of the chorus and band at both schools.

On June 2, 1956 he married the former Marie Taylor at the Primative Methodist church in Mt. Carmel. She preceded him in death on June 6, 2018. Shortly after marriage they moved to Locust Gap where he lived for the remainder of his days. He will always be remembered as being from “The Gap” a community he loved.

Bill was one of the Red Tornadoes biggest fans attending every home and every away football game until his health prevented him from attending. Even as a resident of Mt. Carmel senior living center he listened to the games on the radio covered with his Red Tornado blanket.

“Beaver” as his many friends called him had many jobs in his lifetime. But his favorite was operating heavy equipment. His co-workers tell many funny stories of their days at work.
He was a husband, father, friend and entertainer. He loved his children, grandchildren and great granddaughter more than anything in his life.

His blood runs through our instruments and his songs live in our souls. Our lives have been a poor attempt to imitate the man. We are just living legacies to the leader of the band.

Bill is survived by his five children. Sandy Beaver-Krebs, Tammy Golazeski, Bill Beaver, Jr. and his wife Tammy, Jeff Beaver and his wife Tracy, Randy Beaver and his wife Patty. Nine grandchildren Amanda Krebs and her fiancé Chuck, Eric Beaver, Ryan Beaver, Dominic Weikel and his fiancé Kristen, Dante Weiker, Jeff Beaver and his fiancé Madison, Jonathan Golazeski, Tyler Golazeski and Donovan Beaver. One Great Granddaughter Samantha Stancavage, his many niece, nephews and many many friends whose visits he enjoyed throughout life.

In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Anne Valania, his best friend and Brother Jack Beaver.

Religious services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday December 29th, 2018 in the Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home 40 South Market Street Mt. Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz, III Supervisor. Rev. Joan A. Brown will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Guestbook can be signed at www.stutzfuneralhome.com