Robert ‘Jean’ Beyer, 94, of Lexington, MO, passed away at Shirkey Hospice and Palliative Care in Richmond, MO on January 23, 2026.
Jean was born December 11, 1931, in Gordon, Nebraska, son of Alfred Beyer and Mildred Stukenholtz Beyer.
Visitation on January 30, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and a Celebration of Life immediately following Visitation at:
United Methodist Church, 1211 S. Highway 13, Lexington, MO 64067
Arrangements by Walker, Nadler, Fuller Funeral Home in Lexington, MO
Jean grew up in Kansas City, MO, and graduated from Southeast High School in 1949. He attended the Kansas City, MO Junior College, Columbia College, and the University of Missouri-Columbia, graduating in 1954. Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business – Columbia College, Bachelor of Science and Masters in Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He taught on the faculties of the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College, Columbia College, University of Maryland, City College of Los Angeles, Northeast High School, and Southwest High School in Kansas City.
Jean spent 44 years wearing the uniform of his country. He received a regular army commission through the Army ROTC program at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He served at various posts in the United States, Germany, Alaska, Korea, and Vietnam. During a six year break in active duty, he managed several restaurants in Kansas City, including the Golden Ox. Jean retired from the Army in 1980 as a Major, and then joined the Kansas City Missouri School District as Senior Army Instructor, at Northeast and Southwest High Schools, retiring in 1996.
In 1951, Jean married Sylvia Withers, and three children were born of this union. In 1961, Jean married Marilyn Simmons, who preceded him in death in 1999. A daughter, Lisa, was born of this union in 1967. On September 30, 2000, Jean married Janis Buchanan. He and Jan loved working together, being with family and friends, traveling, and enjoyed spending the winter months in Destin, Florida, for many years.
From childhood until death, Jean lived in 41 different houses in five countries, and spent extended time in eight other nations. Jean found his permanent home in Lexington, MO, where he made many friends, was active in community affairs, and was proud to call Lexington, his home.
Jean was post commander, and life member of American Legion Post 60.
During his tenure as commander, he established and organized the Lexington Freedom Walk in 2008, which continues annually on Patriot Day. Jean was also a life member of VFW Post 4052, and Disabled American Veterans. In 2014, Jean was presented the Veterans Service Award by Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, and was named Patriot of the Month by the Missouri State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Jean was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, and Lexington Community Betterment Association. Jean also held memberships in the Lexington Elk’s Lodge, Lexington Rotary Club, Lexington Historical Association, Lexington Tourism, Shirkey Golf Club, was a patron of Live in Lexington, and served on the Lexington Planning and Zoning Committee. From 2013 until 2021 Jean wrote a weekly column for the Lexington News entitled ‘The Way I See It’, which is chronicled into a 3-volume set available on Amazon.
Survivors include his wife Jan of the home, a son, Steve Beyer, and wife Charlet, St Peters, MO; daughters, Rev. Lisa Graves and husband Rev. Chip Graves, Manchester, N.J.; Kimberly Kelly and husband Jan, St. Louis, MO; and Jennifer Barry, and husband Michael, St. Louis MO; stepsons Randy Simmons, Gladstone, MO; Martin Simmons, Cameron, MO; David Mitchell, Blue Springs, MO; stepdaughter Kathy Peterson, St. Louis MO; 10 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Sandy Wirth, Raymore Peculiar, MO; Charlene Marchesini, Temecula,CA. Jean was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Paula Greenlee.
Jean would like to be remembered as a good husband, and a good father, but mostly, as a soldier who served his country with honor, dignity, and pride. He was most proud of the “Ranger” tab he wore on his left shoulder.
Private Family Burial at Machpelah Cemetery in Lexington, with full military rites. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Lexington 4 Life Center, 181D Hwy 13, Lexington, MO 64067.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, MO 64067, 660-259-2245.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
