Edward James Beers

Edward James Beers, 67, of Missoula, passed away at St. Patrick Hospital on Tuesday evening, Dec. 15, 2015, of polycystic kidney disease.

Ed was born in Missoula to Edward and Opal Beers. He graduated Hellgate High School in 1967, attended the Missoula Vocational Technical Center and worked for Intermountain Lumber.

On Feb. 5, 1971, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a communications specialist in Vietnam. He was stationed in many locations such as Germany, Alaska and Korea. He served his country honorably for 21 years and retired as a first sergeant.

Once retired from the military, Ed worked as a postal supervisor in Paso Robles, California, eventually landing a job with the U.S. Postal Service in Missoula, which was his dream come true.

He married Colleen Kellogg in August 1973. They had two wonderful children, Cherie and Chad. They were the apple of his eye.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making miniature furniture, playing baseball and softball, watching football and spending time with his pets. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a great cook and candy maker. He was a wonderful father and friend.

Ed was very generous, even giving his own coat to a waiter in Helena because the man liked it. He had a keen sense of humor and loved to make others laugh.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his wife, Colleen Beers; daughter, Cherie Villarreal (Paul) of California; son, Chad Beers (Becky) of California/Montana; four beautiful grandsons, Christian and Samuel Beers and Cody and Cooper Villarreal; his sisters, Jean Walker (Bill) of West Riverside and Judy Platt (Al) of Hall; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be led by Father Rich Perry at St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, Dec. 18, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. An honorable veteran burial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Chad Beers, Cherie Villarreal, Bill Walker, Al Platt, Mike Kellogg and Bob Whaley.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to help Ed's son Chad, who has the same disease as his father, receive a new kidney by donating to gofund.me/dr4wvwes.


Read Edward Beers's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.