Alvin Ray Beachy

Alvin Ray Beachy died peacefully on September 19, 2017 at the age of 88. He was a resident of New Carlisle, Indiana.

Alvin is survived by his; wife, Edna Beachy; 6 sons, Galen (Sandy), Leo, IN, David (Wanda), Kalona, IA, Conrad (Karen), Tremont, IL, Nathan (Rochele), Cleveland, OH, Stephen, Tampa, FL and Marcus (Brenda), Waterloo, IN; siblings, Mary Gingerich, Walnut Creek, OH, Moses, Goshen, IN, Verna Yoder, Kalona, IA, Bertha Beachy, Goshen, IN, Wilma (Ray) Gingerich, Harrisonburg, VA., Clara (Ed) Yoder, Harrisonburg, VA, grandchildren Brett (Kristy), Heidi (Kevin) Castetter, Aimee Johnston, Nicholas (Jessica), Jenna (Cory) Pelc, Jared, Travis, Autumn (John) Haynes, Marita, Lauren, Caleb, Trey, Taylor, Emma, Alexa and great-grandchildren, Casey, Makayla, Bailey, Madilin, Timothy, Abigail, Kyler, Michael, Karsten, Emery, Cutler, Kennedy, Josette, Kerrigan, Sawyer. He is preceded in death by siblings and in-laws, Esther Beachy, Fanny (Ora) Miller, Floyd (Mattie), David Yoder, Ada Beachy and Moses Gingerich.

Alvin was born on June 14, 1929 in Wawpecong, IN to Andrew and Elizabeth Beachy. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite College in 1955 with course concentration in Bible and Education. He went to college after completing formal education only to the 8th grade.  He married Edna Miller, the love of his life, on June 17, 1954. He left the Amish church and his desire was to serve God through ministry in the Mennonite Church.  He felt this calling at age 16. He went to seminary at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and over his lifetime pastored congregations including Concord Mennonite Church in Tennessee, Protection Mennonite Church in Kansas, North Leo Mennonite Church and Valparaiso Mennonite Church in Indiana, Pottstown Mennonite Church in Pennsylvania and Springdale Chapel in Cincinnati, OH.  He also taught elementary school. He was a member of Hudson Lake Mennonite Church in New Carlisle, IN until his death.

Alvin had these words posted in his church office: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him. By God’s help, I aim to be that man.” He leaves a legacy of sons who are loving fathers and husbands and grandchildren who will change the world in positive ways with their passion and their desire to do good.  This is his positive mark on the world.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth…Psalm 121

Memorial Service will be held September 30th, 11:00am Eastern at Hudson Lake Mennonite Church, 7503 N. Walker Rd, New Carlisle IN, 46552 with lunch to follow the Service.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Mennonite Central Committee, 21 South 12th Street, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA, 17501

Our family wishes to convey our sincerest appreciation for your prayers and support during Alvin’s passing. We are blessed to have friends and family like you and are thankful for all you’ve done.

The Alvin Beachy Family