William Douglas Beers

WILLIAM DOUGLAS BEERS passed away on January 31, 2018 at the age of 95 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born April 9, 1922 in New Haven, Vermont and considered himself a Vermonter all his life, although he only lived there the first 2 years of his life. Through his formative years he lived in Schenectady, NY during the school year while summers were spent with his grandparents on their farm in New Haven, VT. Doug’s father had died suddenly prior to Doug’s birth so his mother, Josephine Clifford Beers, was widowed until Doug was 14. At that time Jo married Dr. Edwin McDonald Stanton who was a great influence and inspiration to Doug.

Doug graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State College. Iowa State is where he met his life-long sweetheart, Phyllis Collins, who he married in June 1944. During World War II, Doug served in the US Army 125th Armored Engineer Battalion in Central Europe.

In 1951, Phyllis and Doug moved to Cincinnati, Ohio making this their hometown for the remainder of their lives. Doug was employed as a chemical engineer all of his working years. Early career projects included travel to Switzerland where he enjoyed long friendships with Swiss colleagues. For fun, Doug and Phyl enjoyed attending community theatre productions, Merriemakers dance club events, Cincinnati Reds games, and weekly gatherings with friends. The couple traveled to many US and International destinations, often accompanied by their family. Since he was a youngster, a favorite place to visit was Lake George, NY in the Adirondacks; and his family has continued that tradition. Doug delighted in being a grandfather and was a faithful attendee to all of his grandkids’ many school and sporting events. Later in life, Doug was an avid sports fan, especially of baseball and football.

Doug was a devoted husband to Phyllis, his loving wife of 72 years, who passed away in 2016. He will be sorely missed by his family who very much loved and admired him. Survivors include his daughters Kassy (Jeff) Corken and Noelle (David) Houben, grandchildren Ryan (Sasha) Corken and Kailey (Eric) Corken-Golz, and 1-year- old great-granddaughter Théa Corken.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 10 th at T.P. White & Sons Funeral Home, 2050 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Visitation is at 10 AM with a Funeral at 11AM. Military honors and interment will follow immediately at Arlington Memorial Gardens.

Doug and Phyl were active in the Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation which supports the Bells of Iowa State University. If desired, memorial contributions may be given to the Stanton Carillon Beers-Doe Scholarship Fund via https://www.music.iastate.edu/carillon/donation/donation.php or to a charity of your choice.