William F. Beasley October 5, 1930 – September 8, 2023

William F. Beasley passed away at home in California City, under hospice care on Sept. 8. He was born in Cody, Nebraska on Oct. 5, 1930 to Prudence Eva and Frank (Pete) Beasley. He was raised by his mother in Lincoln, Nebraska. He joined the Marine Corps right out of high school.

He fought in the Korean and the Vietnam Wars. He was a lifetime member of "The Chosin Few" with frostbitten feet to show for it. He was a proud Marine and had emblems on everything. He was both a still photographer and cinematographer. His Civil Service career included 15 years at China Lake Naval Weapons Center and five years with NASA at Edwards AFB. While living in Ridgecrest he received an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science degree from Cerro Coso Community College. He flunked retirement twice and kept working with W.P. Photo Services in Ventura and then at a retail photo store with occasional location scouting.

He was an avid model builder, building model trains, plastic models and train layout buildings, also military miniatures.

He met his beloved wife of almost 71 years, Nancy, in St. Louis while on recruiting duty. They have three children, Donna Flood, California City, California, Christopher Beasley, Ridgecrest, California and Paula Martin, Richmond, Virginia. Six grandchildren, C'Anne Wolf, Travis Flood, Cara Beasley, Amanda Asplund, Jennifer Flood and Jason Beasley. In February there will be 13 great grandchildren.

Bill's faith in God and his Savior Jesus, was deep and personal and he was an active member of the Community Church of California City. He served 13 terms as Moderator, was a trustee and was instrumental in the building of the present Sanctuary in 1991. He was also a life member of the American Legion, the veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League, the Military order of the Purple Heart, the Korean War veterans and the Chosin Few Assn.

There will be a celebration of his life at 1 p.m. on Oct. 5, at the Community Church of California City, 21001 Conklin Blvd., California City.