Lawrence Roland Beebe, dedicated community volunteer

Lawrence Roland Beebe, 87, who went by Roland, of Laurel, formerly of Milford, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023. He was born Oct. 14, 1935, to Sara Beebe and Lawrence Beebe.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Susan Beebe; and his wife of 68 years Ila Beebe. He is survived by three children, Lawrence Eugene Beebe and wife Linda, Roland Glenn Beebe and wife Marjorie, and Linda Joanne Beebe-Smith and husband Merrill.

Roland was born and raised in Delaware, and graduated from Milford High School. He and Ila lived at Slaughter Beach with their family before moving to Thompsonville. During that time, he was very involved in the community, serving as treasurer of Slaughter Beach Memorial Fire Company and a lifelong member of the South Bowers Fire Company. He was a former president of the Milford Lions Club and served as the Lions history committee chairman.

His passion for local history was great, and in 1990, he wrote a book titled “Milford Neck: A Short History.”

After retiring from NAPA Auto Sales, he and Ila sold their home and traveled in an RV for 10 years before settling down for the last time in Magnolia. He continued to be involved in the Lions Club, as well as the Delaware Genealogical Society, and he discovered an interest in clock making. Throughout his life, he loved country music and often saw performers at Delaware State Fair. 

In 2022, Roland and his wife were moved to a memory care facility in Maryland. His legacy lives on through his seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday, May 5, at Berry-Short Funeral Homes chapel, 119 N.W. Front St., Milford, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

Online condolences are welcome for the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.