Robert Jay Beal

Robert Jay Beal, longtime resident of Shelley, Idaho, passed away on February 1, 2024, from injuries sustained in a tragic vehicle accident.

Robert was born December 13, 1943, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to John Robert Beal and Verla Elizabeth Quinton Beal. He grew up in Osgood, attending Idaho Falls schools. He later moved to Shelley, Idaho, and attended schools there. He was the second of six siblings, Wanda, Nancy, Jenny, John, and Johnny Beal.

Robert met the love of his life, Linda Jean Miller and they married on January 18, 1964. Robert has lived in Shelley with his beautiful loving wife for all of his life, recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary just last month. Together, they raised four children, Bryan, Carla, Jay R, and Lori.

Robert started out his life-long career in the warehouse and maintenance industry, working for RT French, Pillsbury, and Basic American Foods. He worked hard with the opportunity to progress through the years and retired after 44 years in 2006 as a Mechanical Maintenance Specialist and Project Manager. During his time there, he received multiple awards for his accomplishments and advancements in his career. He spent nine years at his favorite golf course, Aspen Acres, providing maintenance and landscaping after his retirement from the warehouse industry. The last eight years, he and his wife lovingly fostered 61 children.

Robert spent his spare time hunting, fishing, golfing, and woodworking (one of his many talents). He enjoyed coaching football and wrestling with the youth and received many awards and certificates throughout his life for dedication to Shelley’s local youth. Most of all, he loved spending time with his amazing beautiful wife, his children and their spouses, and his many grandchildren.

Robert was a man of God and led his family. He was a hardworking, kind, friendly, and loving man; always willing to help and support his family and all those around him. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church where he was a trustee and an active member. He and his wife, Linda, were currently in charge of senior activities.

He was loved deeply by his wife, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Robert will be missed greatly.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Linda; children, Bryan Beal of Idaho Falls, ID and Green Rove, FL, Carla (Steve) Dunthorn of Ammon, ID, Jay R. (Kristy) Beal of Shelley, ID, and Lori (Brad) Clark of Mt. Home, ID and San Antonio, TX; sisters, Wanda (Ferrin) Harker of Syracuse, UT (formerly Victor, ID), Nancy (Jay) Hansen of Hurricane, UT, Jenny (Lonnie) Duce of Kingston, ID; brothers, John R. (Tanna) Beal of Blackfoot, ID and Johnny (Kathy) Beal of Shelley, ID; 21 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, with 3 on the way, and 1 great-great grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert (J.R.) Beal and Verla Elizabeth Quinton Beal; and great granddaughter, Chloe Arabella Clark.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Village in Blackfoot for the foster children or the Shelley Senior Center.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, 785 1st Street, with a visitation prior from 10-10:45 a.m. prior. A night visitation will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon.

Services may be streamed from the church at either of these pages:

www.youtube.com/calvarybaptistchurchidahof6077 or www.facebook.com/CBCIF