Willis H. Beasley, Jr.

Bill was born in Denver, CO on 4/13/22, graduated South High School in Denver 1940. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in Oct. 1942. In Dec. 1943, he was assigned to a B-24 crew as a tail gunner in the 492nd BG 857thBS stationed in North Pickenham, England. On his 17th mission his crew was shot down Jun. 20, 1944 over Politz Germany and interned in Sweden until Nov. 1944. On his return to USA he married Norma on Dec. 26, 1944. He was awarded the following medals: Two Air Medals, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Service Medal, the European-African-Middle-Eastern Service Medal with 5 bronze stars, the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal awarded by the French Govt. He participated in the Air Offensive of Europe, Normandy Campaign, Southern France Campaign, Northern France Campaign and the Rhineland Campaign. After being discharged in Oct. 1945, Bill enlisted in the Reserves and held the commission of Second Lt. until contracting polio. He worked for PSCo in Denver for 40 years retiring in 1986 as a Customer Service Rep. Bill was the Hon. Pres of the 492nd BG Assn., Member of Englewood Lodge 166 AF & AM, American Legion Post #1, VFW, 8th AFHS, and Air Force Assn. Survived by his wife Norma of 64 years; sons Bill (Kathi), Craig (Dorothy), Mark (Janette); grandchildren Joshua, Matthew, Justin, Chad, Kevin and Madeline; and former daughter-in-law April Beasley (mother of Justin and Chad). Graveside services are Friday, February 27, 2009 at 9:15 am at Fort Logan National Cemetery – Area ""C"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado. Memorial Services follow at 11 am at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (just one block to the west of Holly Street), in Centennial, Colorado 80122. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Johnson Center, 5000 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122; Denver Hospice, 501 South Cherry Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80246; or the 492nd BG Association, 1525 South Garfield Street, Denver, Colorado 80210. Please share your memories of Willis and condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below.