John Beddow

January 4, 1918

TRAVERSE CITY — John Minard Beddow, of Ellsworth, passed away on his 94th birthday at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.John was born Jan. 4, 1918, in Gladwin County. He spent his childhood in Redford. A member of the "Greatest Generation," he entered military service April 9, 1941, becoming an officer in the Army Air Force. He flew 30 missions as a bombardier/navigator with the 458th Bomb Group stationed in Horsham St. Faith, England, as well as making gas runs to Patton's army. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, American Defense Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Four Bronze Stars and the World War II Victory Medal.After the war he married and lived in Franklin Village until the family moved up north to Charlevoix. He later moved to Ellsworth, where he resided until his death.John was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas R. and Catherine H. (Stickney) Beddow; his sisters, Charlotte, Betty and Pearl; and his brothers, Lee and Thomas. He is survived by his daughters, Barbara, of Urbandale, Iowa, and Charlotte, of Rapid City. His brother, William, of West Bloomfield Hills, also survives, along with numerous nieces and nephews.Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 7, at the Southfield Cemetery in Southfield, where military rites will be afforded.Thoughts and condolences may be shared at John's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Traverse City.