Word has been received of the death of Dennis Beach, a former Grace Brethren pastor, who died in January in Florida. His obituary appears below.
Dennis A. Beach joined the choirs of heaven on January 28, 2018 in Bradenton, Fla. Born and reared in Martinsburg, Pa., he was a life-long learner earning multiple degrees, beginning with a B.A in English from Grace College (1963) and a M.Div. from Grace Theological Seminary (1966). While at Grace, Dennis sang and traveled with the Heralds of Grace quartet representing the college and seminary.
He served as pastor of the Minerva Grace Brethren Church (Ohio) and on staff at two California Brethren churches in Long Beach and and Bellflower.
While in California he received a Doctorate of Divinity degree from Grace Graduate School in Long Beach and an education degree from Biola University.
After returning to Ohio, he received a Masters in Counseling from the University of Dayton (Ohio). He retired from his role as school counselor from Springfield City Schools (Ohio).
He will be remembered for his gift of music to the Springfield, Ohio, community as a singer for the Community Lyric Chorus, United Senior Services Chorus, First Christian choir, First Christian men’s quartet and a soloist for various organizations.
He is survived by his wife, Louise (Grace College, 1964), a daughter Melissa Beach (Dublin, Ohio), and a son LCDR Matthew Beach, daughter-in-law, Bre, and granddaughter Abby (Aiea, Hawaii); sister Linda Beach (Miami, Fla.), as well as brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Mark and Elaine Terrell, Springfield, Ohio.
A memorial celebration was held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Littleton & Rue Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Powell officiating.