Ralph R Beam

Ralph R Beam Obituary August 5, 1958 – April 14, 2021 Ralph R. Beam, 62 of Yuma, Arizona, formerly of Kissimmee, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2021 in Colorado. He was born to Lonas and Erna (Jean) Beam in Wiesbaden, Germany. Ralph proudly served in the United States Army as an Airborne Ranger and retired as a Command Sergeants Major serving over 37 years with more than 7 years in combat. Of his many assignments, Ralph served as the Command Sergeants Major for: NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan; U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army; U.S. Army Europe and V Corps; Multinational Corp – Iraq; U.S. Army Alaska; 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; U.S. Army Central Command – Kuwait; 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment; 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry (Air Assault). His awards included but are not limited to: Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal (2nd Award); Legion of Merit (3rd Award); Bronze Star (2nd Award); Purple Heart (2nd Award); Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award); Joint Service Commendation Medal with “V” device; Army Commendation Medal (5th Award); Army Achievement Medal (5th Award); Joint Meritorious Unit Award (4th Award); Meritorious Unit Commendation; Valorous Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal (12th Award); Defense Service Medal w/ Bronze Service Star; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War On Terrorism Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal; NATO Medal; United Nations Medal; Kuwaiti Liberation Metal (Saudi Arabia); Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait); Ranger Tab; Combat Infantryman's Badge; Combat Action Badge; Master Parachutist Badge w/ Bronze Service Star; Pathfinder Badge; Air Assault Badge; German Armed Forces Parachute Badge (Bronze); German Army Marksmanship Badge (Gold); Drill Sergeant Badge; Expert Infantryman's Badge; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4th Award); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon (7th Award). Ralph also earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Management from Troy State University while serving his country. Upon his retirement from the US Army, Ralph moved from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Yuma, Arizona, which he called home for the remainder of his life. He is dearly missed by his family, his many friends, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonas and Erna (Jean) Beam of Kissimmee, Florida. He is survived by his son, Charlie Beam (Dawn), his daughter, Michelle Pate (Jeff), both of North Carolina, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Ronnie Beam (Sharon) and sisters, Lillian Harvey (Steve), Janet Banter (Troy) of Florida, Mary Collette (Mike) of Pennsylvania, Debra Alvarado (Daniel) of Arizona, Diane Whaley (Brian) of Florida, Carol Minshew (Virgil) of Florida, and ten nieces and nephews. Ralph will be laid to rest next to his mother and father. Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home in St. Cloud, Florida, is handling the funeral arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held in Yuma, Arizona, on June 5, 2021. A military memorial service is tentatively planned to be held at Ft. Benning, Georgia, in July 2021. Local services for Mr. Beam will be held at the Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph R Beam please visit our Sympathy Store.

Ralph R Beam

August 5, 1958 - April 14, 2021