Rev. David O. Beadles
August 01, 1930 - December 21, 2023
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Rev. David O. Beadles
August 01, 1930 - December 21, 2023
Obituary
Reverend David O. Beadles
David was born on August 1, 1930 in Tacoma, WA—but wait, there was a surprise—there were twins! David liked to say “he kicked his sister out of the womb”. Dolores was born first and then David. His father was a Methodist minister and the family moved around the Pacific Northwest during his childhood. He considered Moscow, ID his home; he attended the University of Idaho, graduating with a B.A. in 1952. He attended the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and received Deacon’s orders in 1953. David Beadles and Lois Raver married in June 1953. He graduated with a M.Th. in 1955 and received Elder’s Orders in the Pacific Northwest Conference.
David was appointed to Finley, West Kennewick, WA and served his first church from 1955-57. He then decided to leave the Northwest and move to Southern CA.
David participated in an Exchange preaching program to South Korea in 1966. He visited churches in Japan, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Ministerial Appointments:
1957-59 Associate: First Methodist Church, Orange, CA
1959-64 Walteria Methodist Church, Torrance, CA
1964-70 First Methodist Church, Monterey Park, CA
1970-76 First United Methodist Church, Redlands, CA
1976-85 Anaheim United Methodist Church, Anaheim, CA
1985-89 United Methodist Church, Laguna Hills, CA
1989-97 Laguna Beach United Methodist Church, Laguna Beach, CA
1997 Retired (44 years in the active ministry)
David had responsibilities in the California-Pacific Conference, serving on the Board of Ordained Ministry from 1983-1992 and the Board of Diaconal Ministry beginning 1993.
David has four children: Diana Smith (Larry), Janice Anderson (Wayne), Phyllis Lansley (Rob) and Bruce Beadles (Brenda).
David Owen Beadles and Judith Anne Sturdivan were married at Anaheim UMC in October 1981. Her 2 children were added to the clan: Jennifer McCloskey (Mike) and Jeffrey Sturdivan (Angela). David and Judy were married for 42 years.
David is survived by 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Judy likes to say David “flunked” retirement as he went on to serve 8 more interim positions in local United Methodist Churches. He continued to preach occasionally and loved the creative aspect of that process.
David had a long history of community service and volunteerism. He served as Chaplain, South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach, 1989-97, and in his “first year of retirement” served as Chaplain of the Hospice of Saddleback Valley. He served as Chair of Elder-Pastors (a mentoring outreach to the next generation of ministers) from 2003-10.
Serving on the Orange County Salvation Army Advisory Board, from 1998-2012, was a source of pride for David. As an Advisory Board member, David was the chairman of the Youth and Social Services committee for 5 years. In May 2010 he received the “Volunteer of the Year Award”.
In 2009, David was given the honorary title of Pastor Emeritus at the Anaheim United Methodist Church. He liked to say this honor had suddenly given him the reputation of an wise old “sage”.
David was honored with the “Bishop’s Award” in June 2021. Phyllis, Jennifer and Judy were with David in Pasadena as Bishop Hagiya bestowed this honor.
In retirement, David was a voracious reader of mystery novels. He loved word play, puns, Sudoku, Angels baseball and entertained us with his sense of humor.
Our family gratefully thanks the caregivers who helped with David’s care the past 6 years: Alfredo, Brenda, Jessica and last, but not least, dear Valerie.
At the age of 88 years, David wrote “I have been a Methodist all my life. In the years I have left, I will still be a Methodist at heart, a Wesleyan in theology (by the grace of God who accepts everyone), and I will follow the example of Jesus Christ who never mentioned second class people. No bigotry shall keep me from this witness. Yes, I will die a Methodist”..….and he did on December 21, 2023.
Memorials in David’s name may be given to:
Orange County Salvation Army – orangecounty.salvationarmy.org
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) www.umcmission.org
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: February 3, 2024 (2:00 PM)
- Venue: St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church
- Location: 30382 Via Con Dios Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 - (Get Directions)
Reception
- Date & Time: February 3, 2024 (3:00 PM)
- Venue: St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church
- Location: 30382 Via Con Dios Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 - (Get Directions)
Orange County Salvation Army
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief)
- Website: https://umcmission.org
9 responses to Rev. David O. Beadles
Maryken Plaia says:
January 11, 2024
Chris and I met David when we were first starting out in our relationship and looking for a church we both felt comfortable with. We heard him preach and knew we found a home. Soon after, we asked him to marry us and he did in 1989. Not long after, we moved and lost contact with him. Imagine our surprise when years later we walked in to the home church we had transferred to and saw Dave and Judy sitting in the congregation! It was like everything had come full circle. He later filled in (during his failed retirement!) at this church during a transition. God put him in out lives to provide comfort and guidance which he always did. I hope now he is reaping that which he had sowed. Love to the entire Beadles family for sharing this amazing man with us.
Dot C. Leach says:
January 11, 2024
I will never forget how David counseled me when I was facing a problem as the new president of the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita. I was trying to plan an interfaith Sunday and two local pastors —not my own—were not being cooperative, in fact, they were being derogatory toward some of our brothers and sisters who were not Christian. I sought David’s counsel and he taught me a huge lesson: Do what you can and if they continue to give you a bad time shake the dust off your feet. A reference to Matthew 10:14-16. Walk away from that negativity was the lesson. It worked and Interfaith Sunday at St. John’s that year was beautiful. David thanked me for bringing everyone together. I thanked him for being my spiritual and reality-check counselor! In addition to being a sage, I loved his sense of humor. His smile never failed to make me smile. All the Beadles clan have been and will continue to be in my prayers. Judy sending you tons of love!
Gary Sackett says:
January 12, 2024
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was the Sr Pastor at AUMC when I moved to SoCal in 1976 and immediately made me feel at home. His support of our drama group and his unwavering love for everyone will always be remembered.
Kay Davis says:
January 12, 2024
There honestly will never be another man like David. He was caring, funny, lovable, wise, a true friend….and a real minister. He and July will always be in our hearts.