In Memory of John Milton Beeding, Sr.

I miss you sooooooo much. We got the best of you, and for that, we will be forever grateful. ❤️
- Cyndi Sutton Fenton

During my recent trip to Michigan, my step-dad John was ever present on my mind, as he has been for over a year and a half since he passed. His presence is still felt in the house. The tapestry purchased during his trip with my mom to Egypt was finally hung on the wall over the leather sofa.

A quilt made by my mom of all John’s roller skating patches now hangs prominently on the wall, a wonderful display of his incredible dedication to the sport, as a competitor, coach & judge. His black skates are in the living room, behind his likeness.

Mom and I went to the cemetery to visit John & his sister Martha, who also passed in 2020, several months after John. Martha was beside her husband, whose passing preceded hers by several years. We spruced up the markers in front of the memorial bench, & around the graves of John and Martha’s parents. I sat on the bench for a few minutes and said hi to them all.

I frequently find myself pondering life & talking to John. I also have a habit of saying the following phrases:
1. “I wonder what would Papa John would have to say about this?” 🤔
2. “Papa John would know about that!”😳😮
3. “What was that story he used to tell about…
- Henry Ford, Jr. and John’s car paint scratch issue?”
- Elvis as a kid, riding bikes down a hill with no brakes, and someone sliding under a car?”
- playing in the lead & zinc mines as a child?”
- the big family farm that straddled two states, with the no yard grass, only white pea-gravel in the front yard, and huge pig that was welcome in the house?”
4. “I know what John would think about that!”😁

I miss John’s sage advice. “I sure could use his advice right now,” comes up in my mind a lot.💔
- Cyndi Fenton

Thinking of John this past Thursday as I watched my mom Barbara Beeding skate in a dance competition at the USA Rollersports Nationals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. How he would have loved to have been there, not only to support Barb but also to tell his tall tales and build his air castles. 🛼❤️
- Cyndi, John’s stepdaughter

It’s been a long, hard year without you, Papa John, but we have so many fun and joyful memories of our time spent with you. Thank you. We miss and love you. ❤️

John M. Beeding, Sr. ❤️ August 29, 1935 - February 12, 2020.

John died peacefully at home surrounded by family. A dedicated pipe fitter and member of Local 636 for over 60 years, he was also a graduate of MCHS class of ‘54, National Roller Skating champion ’57, and member of the Mt. Clemens Power Squadron.

John is survived by his wife of 20 years Barbara J. Beeding; sister Martha Ellyson DeFer; children Julia Beeding Ribits (Martin), John Beeding, Jr., and Barney Beeding; step-children Cyndi Sutton Fenton (Dennis), Lisa Sutton (Jeff Reeb), and Matthew Lupis; and seven grandchildren Jackson, Preston, Paige, Laney, Collin, Michael & Cole. He will forever be in our hearts.

🌹MARCH 3rd, 2020:
A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held for John at the Rolladium roller rink in Waterford, MI, from 6-8 p.m. All are welcome!