Obituary for Kevin Ray Beat
Kevin Ray Beat, age 52, of Battle Creek, MI passed away peacefully on April 1, 2020 at home in Marshall, MI in the loving care of his family. Kevin was born April 2, 1967 in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Harper Creek High School and played first chair trumpet in the marching band. He performed in trumpet solo competitions at Interlochen Music Camp and won awards. His Mother played the piano for him during competition. Kevin graduated from Kellogg Community College and He performed with the KCC jazz band and concert band. While in college, he performed with the Battle Creek Post band and Skyline Community band in Jackson. Kevin graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors degree in Business Administration.
He worked as a Manufacturing Representative in the home improvement industry throughout Michigan. He relocated to Grand Rapids for his job and he played professionally for the Beltline Big Band for 10 years as first part trumpet. He also, performed with the Rockford Concert band and Rockford community band, Cannonsburg Picnic at the Pops summer concerts, Calder plaza Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids, MI. Kevin was a guest soloist for several churches over the years especially at Easter and Christmas time. His family enjoyed attending most of these concerts.
Kevin became a Christian at age 15 while watching a Jack Van Impe television broadcast while in the family living room with his mother and grandmother. He watched the Billy Graham crusades and Charles Stanley broadcasts. He attended Family Bible Church until his health declined. He liked listening to Audio Bible in the evening. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16."For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Kevin enjoyed playing softball, lifting weights, swimming and fishing. He enjoyed family celebrations and outings, traveling to the Upper Peninsula, hiking the many waterfalls, and boat tours. He enjoyed going to the campground, cook outs, campfires, and golf cart rides. He enjoyed the family pets, dogs and cats throughout the years.
Kevin had a great smile and a witty sense of humor. He managed to enjoy life even though he had many chronic health issues. He was always ready to help others when he was able. He always carried a notepad and pen to record events. Kevin was always appreciative for the medical professionals that assisted him. He was thankful for the many devoted friends who faithfully volunteered their time to assist him and his family. He dearly loved his family who were his primary caregivers for the past several years.
Kevin is survived by his mother Frances Beat, brother Mark Beat, sister Lynda (Beat) Sherrell, friends, and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Beat.
Kevin requested that memorial contributions would be made to his family. A celebration of his life will take place at a later time.
He worked as a Manufacturing Representative in the home improvement industry throughout Michigan. He relocated to Grand Rapids for his job and he played professionally for the Beltline Big Band for 10 years as first part trumpet. He also, performed with the Rockford Concert band and Rockford community band, Cannonsburg Picnic at the Pops summer concerts, Calder plaza Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids, MI. Kevin was a guest soloist for several churches over the years especially at Easter and Christmas time. His family enjoyed attending most of these concerts.
Kevin became a Christian at age 15 while watching a Jack Van Impe television broadcast while in the family living room with his mother and grandmother. He watched the Billy Graham crusades and Charles Stanley broadcasts. He attended Family Bible Church until his health declined. He liked listening to Audio Bible in the evening. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16."For God so loved the world,that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Kevin enjoyed playing softball, lifting weights, swimming and fishing. He enjoyed family celebrations and outings, traveling to the Upper Peninsula, hiking the many waterfalls, and boat tours. He enjoyed going to the campground, cook outs, campfires, and golf cart rides. He enjoyed the family pets, dogs and cats throughout the years.
Kevin had a great smile and a witty sense of humor. He managed to enjoy life even though he had many chronic health issues. He was always ready to help others when he was able. He always carried a notepad and pen to record events. Kevin was always appreciative for the medical professionals that assisted him. He was thankful for the many devoted friends who faithfully volunteered their time to assist him and his family. He dearly loved his family who were his primary caregivers for the past several years.
Kevin is survived by his mother Frances Beat, brother Mark Beat, sister Lynda (Beat) Sherrell, friends, and relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Beat.
Kevin requested that memorial contributions would be made to his family. A celebration of his life will take place at a later time.