Robert M. Beam

On Friday the 7th of November 2025, Robert M. Beam Jr. departed Kalamazoo! For those that knew Bob, you understand that this was truly a momentous day.

Always regarded as a reluctant traveler, he had two common questions ahead of any trip, “Is that further away than Paw Paw?" followed closely by "How long are we going to be away?" This was not because he didn't enjoy visiting people or other places, but because his heart was rooted in the Kalamazoo area. It was his home.

In 1943, Robert Jr, was born in Paw Paw, Michigan. The eldest child of Elizabeth and Robert Beam, he had four siblings: Betsy, John, Tom, and Mike. Growing up on the family farm instilled a sense of pride in his agrarian upbringing and sprouted a lifelong love of gardening. Those youthful days were filled with hard work, fun, hijinks, love, and activities along with the Boy Scouts of America, with whom he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. These attributes made such an impact on him that he wanted to, someday, pass them on to his family.

Nearby Bankson Lake, was where Robert met Judith Macomber, the love of his life. They were married in 1966 in Kalamazoo, and have been constant partners, ensuring that their families were nurtured, tended, and strengthened ever since.

Bob attended Western Michigan University, then he never left. His experiences as a student at WMU stirred in him the desire to turn his student job into a lifelong career which culminated into the role as Vice President for Business and Finance. In his 42 years of service at the University, he grew from student-to-employee, and then blossomed into a leader, mentor, and friend to many.

Bob was a proud supporter of Western Athletics; he was a regular at football, basketball, and hockey games. At those times, and when walking the campus, Bob always had an eye for the future while being certain to care for the present. He knew the people of Western, the faculty, staff, and the ever-changing student body, not unlike how a farmer knows the change of weather. This insight was born out of his desire to always think about how the facilities of WMU would help the students academically and socially.

Upon his retirement from his active role at WMU in 2007, the University honored his tireless support by naming the beating heart of the university after him: The Robert M. Beam Power Plant. Bob remained active on several university and community boards and committees, always willing to share his time, perspective, and experience. Bob served Western Michigan University for years with steadfast fiduciary fiscal leadership at the Paper Technology Foundation and on the Foundation Board stewarding several committees including the Committee on Directors, the Investment Committee, and the Board of Directors. He also found time for other Kalamazoo organizations, including the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and the WMU Foundation Board Investment Committee, where he met many of his wonderful and dear friends.

Kalamazoo was home to Bob and Judi, and that is where they made their life together raising their three children Jennifer, Andrew, and Daniel, ensuring the continuation of the strong family values that they all grew up with.

Robert’s departure was preceded by his parents; Betsy Kent (sister), Conn Macomber (brother-in-law), Jennifer Beam (daughter), Heather Kent (niece), Ashley Hill (great-niece) and Isaac Szymanski (great-nephew). He has left behind his wife Judith; sons Andrew (Allison Burkette) Beam and Daniel Beam; brothers John (Sherri) Beam, Thomas (Julie) Beam, Michael (Adele) Beam, brother-in-law Eric Kent Sr and sister-in-law Sheri Macomber. His grandchildren are Lauren, Allyson, Olivia, Joseph, and Hannah Beam. This large and close family also includes 14 nieces and nephews with an ever-growing number of grandnieces and grandnephews.

Robert was always most comfortable in Kalamazoo, as it was here that he was surrounded by his friends and family and places that he loved; it was home.

As Robert settles into the comforts of heaven, we look forward to his hearty welcome at the end of our journey.

A visitation will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, November 20th, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm & 6:00 – 8:00 pm at 247 W. Lovell Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. A funeral service will be held at St Luke's Episcopal Church on Friday, November 21st, at 11:00 am. Gathering/luncheon after the service will be held at Heritage Hall (WMU) 625 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Celebrate Robert’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

Beam Family Graduate Assistantship at Western Michigan University. Make checks payable to: Western Michigan University Foundation with a memo of Beam Family Graduate Assistantship. Mail to: Western Michigan University Foundation, 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403.

-OR-

Judith Beam Reading Endowment at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Make checks payable to: Kalamazoo Community Foundation with a memo of Judith Beam Reading Endowment. Mail to: 402 E Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007; or charity of your choice.