Dr. Hershel Waylon Beaver

Dr. Hershel W. Beaver was born on Thursday, June 17, 1941, in Muskogee, OK and passed from this life on March 2, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. Hershel was the last of 11 children born to Arch and Rosa (Moore) Beaver. Hershel was preceded in death by his father, mother, 7 brothers, 3 sisters, and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Beaver. When Hershel was 8 years old, he accepted Christ as his personal savior during VBS. All of his adult life he was an active member of Lawrence St. Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and Sunday school teacher. He loved the Lord and his church family very much. His faith, Christian values, and beliefs were central to his life. Hershel met the love of his life, Patsy Ann Williams, at Lawrence St and were officially married on January 24, 1964. Together they had 3 beautiful children, Kimberly Ann (and her husband Darel), Kyle Waylon, and Kerri Angela (and her spouse Randy). His family grew to include 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Including, Darren and his spouse Stacy, their 3 kids, Brittane and her 2 children, Kassi and her spouse Rob, their child, Olivia and her spouse Dalton, their 3 kids, Abbie and her spouse Jeremy and their 2 children, Gavin, Jon, Kyden and Keelon and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. As parents, they considered their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a blessing from God and worked hard to provide them ample love and support. He attended Alice Robertson Jr High and was a graduate of Muskogee Central High, class of 1959. In the fall of 1959, he enrolled at Muskogee Jr. College where he earned an associate degree. While continuing to work at Scroggins Appliance Co. he obtained a BA in education from NSU. He then attended the University of Oklahoma in 1966-67 and 1970-71 where he earned a Master of Social Work degree. Dr. Beaver then attended the University of Arkansas from 1996-99 where he completed his formal education with a PhD. Early in 1964, when a teaching position was not forthcoming, he accepted a position at the Department of Public Welfare, where he had a career for almost 30 years. During his time at DHS he was a child welfare social worker, supervisor, and administrator. In the fall of 1993, Hershel retired to become an instructor and Director of Field Education for the University of Arkansas. After 2 years in Fayetteville, he began a career with the Social Work Department at NSU. During his 10 years at NSU, Hershel served as an Assistant Professor, Practicum Director, Grant Administrator, and Chair of the Social Work Department. In 2005, Hershel retired from higher education. Since retiring from NSU, he maintained a limited private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Growing up, Hershel loved to play baseball. He played knothole baseball every year and started on the High School baseball team. The summer after graduating high school, he played for the Sho-Me baseball camp in Branson, MO and was on the team that won the Missouri non-pro baseball championship in 1959. Continuing his passion for ball, he played independent baseball and fast-pitch softball. He was instrumental in bringing slow-pitch softball to the Muskogee area in the 1960s. Hershel coached and played on several State Championship softball teams. Hershel loved life and traveling with his children and grandchildren to National Parks, historic sites, and natural wonders. He loved the oceans and mountains but was most attracted to the deserts of the southwest. Hershel was an avid reader of history, historical fiction, and biographies. He also loved OU football, going to Beaver Creek in Camp Gruber, and watching sunsets from his front porch. Hershel considered life a precious gift from God. He was eternally grateful for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who knew him best yet loved him still. He was always grateful for the love of his parents and the Christian home they provided. He valued the support and love provided by his older sibling, especially his older brothers Jim and Doyle. The family would like to extend their love and appreciation for all the caregivers who loved and cared for Hershel in his final years, especially Ana, Michelle, Itamar, and the Emerald Hospice team. A celebration of Hershel’s life will be at 2PM, Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Lawrence Street Baptist Church with Pastor Joel Powell officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Darel Armstrong, Darren Armstrong, Gavin Beaver, Danny Beaver, Mike Beaver and Randy Edwards serving as pallbearers.

Dr. Hershel Waylon Beaver

June 17, 1941 - March 2, 2023