Ned E. Beekman, 84, of Columbia City, IN, and formerly of Huntington County, IN, died Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at 3:53 a.m. Parkview Oaks, in Columbia City.

Mr. Beekman graduated in 1946 from Clear Creek High School and attended Purdue University for one year. He was a lifetime farmer in Clear Creek. He retired from Erie Railroad after over 27 years of service as a fireman and engineer. He was the former owner of Beekman General Store in Bippus. He was also a member of the Erie Railroad Engineer Union, the Eagles Lodge in Huntington, the American Legion Post 85 in Huntington and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5582 in Columbia City.

He was born in Lancaster Township in Huntington County on June 7, 1928, to Ernest and Avis McDaniel Beekman. He married Shirley Callahan on Aug. 10, 1975 in Huntington. She preceded him in death on March 21, 1995.

Mr. Beekman is survived by two sons, Terry W. Beekman, of Harrietta, MI, and Steven N. Beekman, of Vermillion, OH; three daughters, Gail (Michael) Baum, of Warsaw; Rhonda (Greg) Kenline, of Albion; and Kay (Terry) Pfister ,of Huntington; two stepsons, Gary Mauger, of Ocala, FL, and Mike (Melanie) Mauger, of Ossian; two stepdaughters, Cheryl (Chuck) Howe, of Bippus, and Teresa (Eric) Warpup, of Huntington; a brother, Jay Beekman, of Huntington; 20 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5582 in Columbia City, American Legion Post 85 in Huntington or Heartland Hospice of Fort Wayne, in care of Bailey Love Mortuary, 35 W. Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750.

Online condolences may be made at www.baileylove.com.