Virgil Beel

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Virgil Robert Beel, 79, of Marble Hill died Monday, May 11, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in St Louis.

Born on Oct. 5, 1940, near Lutesville, Missouri, he was the son of Robert J. and Frances J. Elfrink Beel. He married Thelma C. VandeVen on Aug. 21, 1965, at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, Missouri. She preceded him in death Dec. 8, 1988.

For his entire life, Virgil was a farmer. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Advance, Missouri, and Knights of Columbus Council 7063. He belonged to the Leopold and Painton (Missouri) Antique Tractor clubs and rode his John Deere 60 tractor on rides and parades. He enjoyed bluegrass music and traveled to Mountain Home, Arkansas, in the Hobo Bus. He faithfully attended his grandchildren's sporting events and kept up on current events with his buddies at the coffee shop.

Virgil is survived by sons, Steven R. Beel, Stanley I. (Amber) Beel and Keith R. (Rhonda) Beel, all of Marble Hill; grandchildren, Danielle (Ronnie) Woodfin, along with their daughter, Hazel, and one to arrive in the fall, Mackenzie (Ryan) Sprandel, with one to arrive in the fall, Zachary Beel, Klara Beel, Kyla Beel and Klete Beel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and a sister, Cecilia Beel-Wilton.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m.

A funeral Mass for immediate family will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold. The Rev. Glen Eftink will officiate, with the Rev. David Coon as con-celebrant. The service will be live-streamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/916182845127668. A public burial will follow at approximately 10:45 a.m. in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Renovating for Christ Campaign, P.O. Box 640, Advance, MO 63730.