April 20, 1971 – October 6, 2019
Joel Beavins, beloved husband of Jill (Rader) Beavins and father of Emma and Ellie Beavins, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at age 48. Joel was born on April 20, 1971 to Joel Beavins Sr. and Dana (Richardson) Leas in Greenville, Ohio. He married Jill Rader in 1995 in Carmel; she survives. He and his family are active members at Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin, Ind.
Joel graduated from Richmond High School in 1990 and continued his education at Ball State University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, where he attained a degree in biology. He worked as a sales executive for over 20 years for medical and scientific research products. Joel’s greatest source of pride was his family, especially his two daughters. He was the biggest fan and constant supporter of Emma and Ellie’s careers in high school athletics, as well as all of their endeavors. Joel’s second passion was flying. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1999 and actively flew multiple aircraft over the years, with increasing ratings and licenses. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
Joel was the first to volunteer to help a friend, to mentor, or to serve. He went on multiple mission trips through his church, and was active in the Grizzly Golf Foundation. He likewise enjoyed golfing with his daughter Ellie and watching her play at Franklin Community High School. Joel was a life-long learner and a constant example of how doing what you love should be the focus of one’s life.
Survivors include his wife, Jill (Rader) Beavins, Franklin; his children, Emma Beavins and Ellie Beavins; his mother, Dana (Richardson) Leas, Richmond, Ind.; his sisters, Karen (Todd) Meinsen, Fountain City, Ind., and Christina Beavins, Greenville, N.C.; his maternal grandmother, Norma Richardson, Greenville, Ohio; six nieces and nephews, and countless relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Eugene Richardson, Greenville, Ohio; his paternal grandparents, Beau and Dorothy Beavins, Greenville, Ohio; his niece, Morgan Judd, Cincinnati, Ohio; and his father.
A service in honor of Joel’s life will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 11, 2019 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich., whose incredible care allowed for Joel’s gift of organ donation that will save many lives.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in honor of Joel Beavins, addressed to 1300 E. Adams Drive, Franklin, IN 46131. Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center in Franklin is assisting with arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at swartzmortuary.com.
Arrangements
Service: 6 p.m., Oct. 11
Location: Grace United Methodist Church, Franklin
Condolences: swartzmortuary.com