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In Memory of

Beeby, Patrick Alfred

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Obituary
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Obituary of Beeby, Patrick Alfred

Patrick Alfred Beeby of McKinney, Texas passed away of old age on Thursday, April 2, 2020 at the age of 96. He was born in Hays, Kansas on St. Patrick’s Day, 1924 to Charles Alfred Beeby and Mary Beeby, nee McCarthy. The 7th of 9 children (two died in infancy), they lived well until the “Trust Busters” ruined his father’s wheat syndicate.  Then came the dust bowls and the Great Depression.  Life was hard in 1930’s Kansas “but we always had plenty to eat”.  He learned to hate oleo.  He was gifted in math and science. After a semester of pre-med at Kansas State he received a draft notice, and while standing in line to be inducted into the US Army in Topeka, his best friend ran up and shouted “Hey Pat!  They’re taking guys into the Navy”.  So he ran around the corner and enlisted in the Navy.  When told the “Silent Service” paid 50% more, he raised his hand.  He served aboard the submarine USS 203 Tuna, hunting in the South Pacific,  from 1943 until the end of the war.   Because of his math prowess, he became involved in “fire control” which meant using the analog computer on board, the TAC (Target Acquisition Computer), to solve the target equation for torpedo fire.  It was this experience which led him to engineering and away from medicine after the war.  He never held any animosity toward the Japanese people though I’m not sure if he ever forgave the Aussies for strafing “every damn US sub they spotted”.  His prodigious memory made him a dangerous poker and bridge player in the long stretches of boredom at sea interspersed with moments of terror.  He was in the battle of Leyte Gulf most remembered by him for the horrible typhoon which sank many ships and killed many Americans.  At 150’ deep, their boat still rolled 30 degrees.  They went deep. Shortly after the war he married Patricia Leigh Blakely of WaKeeney, Kansas after which they both attended Kansas State, thanks to the GI Bill,  where he earned a EE and a BA in Business in 3 years, while working 40 hours a week.  He then interviewed successfully with the IBM Corporation which led to a quite amazing 25 year career with them.  He helped develop core memory with IBM at MIT.  He worked on the 701.  He ran the SAGE Air Defense project, the SABRE Airline Reservation project, and the automation of the NYSE project.  He ran the “high-mod end” of the 360 line.  His post-IBM career was difficult for him as he was so steeped in the IBM culture which was as ruthless as it was successful. He was swindled out of his fortune in the 1980s. He then became a founder of the Prince of Peace Catholic Parish in the rapidly growing Plano, Texas,  writing their business plan.  He was most proud of having been involved in such a project. He and our mother adopted two children: me, Eric, and my sister Leslie, both of whom survive him, as does his brother Frank. He is pre-deceased by his wife, Patricia.  He loved her deeply and missed her terribly. He was a devout Catholic. He loved dancing to the Big Bands and fancied himself a real Fred Astaire – which he was.  He was an athlete.  He loved golf – and golfed until he was 92, “shooting his age” .  Excepting his golf clubs, his personal possessions would fit in a shoe box.  He was in fact what made the Greatest Generation Great. Due to the current virus lockdown, his columbarium installment Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic church in Plano Texas remains TBD. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.         Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

Tribute Wall of Beeby, Patrick Alfred

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  1. Tracy O’Mara says:

    I will forever remember Pat and Patty, who were both filled with “real life wisdom”. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, one of you were there and I was grateful. God bless you both in heaven.

    Tracy O’Mara

    Saturday April 8, 2023

    I will forever remember Pat and Patty, who were both filled with “real life wisdom”. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, one of you were there and I was grateful. God bless you both in heaven.

  2. Deacon Bob Staib says:

    Pat and Patty were two of the foundation blocks on which Father Jim Balint built Prince of Peace. Their kitchen table was often the arena for all of the parish administration. Father Jim had great trust in Pat and Pat always served us well – and with joy.

    Deacon Bob Staib

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Pat and Patty were two of the foundation blocks on which Father Jim Balint built Prince of Peace. Their kitchen table was often the arena for all of the parish administration. Father Jim had great trust in Pat and Pat always served us well - and with joy.

  3. Robert Burns says:

    When I saw he served on the Tuna during WW II gave me a chance to learn about Pat’s modesty and bravery. His humor stays with me when he would comment on a poor golf shot saying “Come back, your mother and your father still love you”. Rest in peace good soul.

    Robert Burns

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When I saw he served on the Tuna during WW II gave me a chance to learn about Pat's modesty and bravery. His humor stays with me when he would comment on a poor golf shot saying "Come back, your mother and your father still love you". Rest in peace good soul.

  4. Douglas Craig Seibel says:

    My first memory of Uncle Pat was at his wedding when I was about 3. My mother was in the wedding party and when I spotted her, I went running to the front of the church; someone managed to catch me and bring me back to my pew. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Patti were my favorite Aunt and Uncle. They were always so much fun to be around when we gathered at grandma’s house on holidays when Pat and Patti were home from college. I saw less of them after they left for New York where Pat worked for IBM. I want to express my condolences to Leslie and Eric. God bless Uncle Pat.

    Douglas Craig Seibel

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    My first memory of Uncle Pat was at his wedding when I was about 3. My mother was in the wedding party and when I spotted her, I went running to the front of the church; someone managed to catch me and bring me back to my pew. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Patti were my favorite Aunt and Uncle. They were always so much fun to be around when we gathered at grandma's house on holidays when Pat and Patti were home from college. I saw less of them after they left for New York where Pat worked for IBM. I want to express my condolences to Leslie and Eric. God bless Uncle Pat.

  5. Robert Burns says:

    I met Pat playing golf with the RSGL. I saw the name of his boat on his golf hat and immediately knew he was a special person. We talked about some of his patrols, the end of the war, and how happy he was to have made it thru it all. One of his favorite golf expressions after a bad shot was, ” Come back, your mother and your father still love you”. We still love you is the story of his life. Rest in peace.

    Robert Burns

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I met Pat playing golf with the RSGL. I saw the name of his boat on his golf hat and immediately knew he was a special person. We talked about some of his patrols, the end of the war, and how happy he was to have made it thru it all. One of his favorite golf expressions after a bad shot was, " Come back, your mother and your father still love you". We still love you is the story of his life. Rest in peace.

  6. Bobby Flanagin says:

    I played golf with Pat for several years and will always remember our trip to Arkansas. Lots of fun to be around and talk to .

    Bobby Flanagin

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I played golf with Pat for several years and will always remember our trip to Arkansas. Lots of fun to be around and talk to .

  7. Lee says:

    Met Pat through Knights of Columbus at Prince of Peace. Always enjoyed our visits. He will be missed.

    Lee

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Met Pat through Knights of Columbus at Prince of Peace. Always enjoyed our visits. He will be missed.

  8. Lew & Stella Sherer says:

    We met Pat and Patty many years ago and they were a wonderful couple, After Patty passed away we would pick up Pat and take him to lunch, His front door was always unlocked and I would scold him but he never listened. He always had to have his glass of wine while we had a nice conversation. He will be missed by all but know he is with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

    Lew & Stella Sherer

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We met Pat and Patty many years ago and they were a wonderful couple, After Patty passed away we would pick up Pat and take him to lunch, His front door was always unlocked and I would scold him but he never listened. He always had to have his glass of wine while we had a nice conversation. He will be missed by all but know he is with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

  9. Gloria Parrella says:

    Patrick, the world is a quieter place now with you no longer in it. But the heavens will be in for some excitement now that you, Bernie Curran and Father Jim are in the same arena again. Our loss, Patrick. I will miss you.

    Gloria Parrella

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Patrick, the world is a quieter place now with you no longer in it. But the heavens will be in for some excitement now that you, Bernie Curran and Father Jim are in the same arena again. Our loss, Patrick. I will miss you.

  10. Fred Preston says:

    I met him when we were going to church at the movie theater, then the high school, before we built Prince of Peace. He was a wonderful man, and his wife was a sweetheart. They certainly were a wonderful couple.

    Fred Preston

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I met him when we were going to church at the movie theater, then the high school, before we built Prince of Peace. He was a wonderful man, and his wife was a sweetheart. They certainly were a wonderful couple.

  11. Anne Alleman says:

    Pat and his wife Patti were such wonderful people. They were always so supportive of my work in Honduras and their deep faith was an inspiration to many. I know he is so happy now to be reunited with Patti and no doubt challenging Father Jim to a round of golf.

    Anne Alleman

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Pat and his wife Patti were such wonderful people. They were always so supportive of my work in Honduras and their deep faith was an inspiration to many. I know he is so happy now to be reunited with Patti and no doubt challenging Father Jim to a round of golf.

  12. Joe Bindo says:

    He was a cherished member of the original group of energetic parishioners that planted the tree under which we at Prince of Peace now sit. Pat is off to join those members of that group that went ahead of him. God bless him and the others of that group that still cherish the tree they helped create.

    Joe Bindo

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    He was a cherished member of the original group of energetic parishioners that planted the tree under which we at Prince of Peace now sit. Pat is off to join those members of that group that went ahead of him. God bless him and the others of that group that still cherish the tree they helped create.

12 thoughts on “Beeby, Patrick Alfred”

  1. Tracy O’Mara

    I will forever remember Pat and Patty, who were both filled with “real life wisdom”. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, one of you were there and I was grateful. God bless you both in heaven.

    Tracy O’Mara

    Saturday April 8, 2023

    I will forever remember Pat and Patty, who were both filled with “real life wisdom”. Whenever I needed someone to talk to, one of you were there and I was grateful. God bless you both in heaven.

  2. Deacon Bob Staib

    Pat and Patty were two of the foundation blocks on which Father Jim Balint built Prince of Peace. Their kitchen table was often the arena for all of the parish administration. Father Jim had great trust in Pat and Pat always served us well – and with joy.

    Deacon Bob Staib

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Pat and Patty were two of the foundation blocks on which Father Jim Balint built Prince of Peace. Their kitchen table was often the arena for all of the parish administration. Father Jim had great trust in Pat and Pat always served us well - and with joy.

  3. When I saw he served on the Tuna during WW II gave me a chance to learn about Pat’s modesty and bravery. His humor stays with me when he would comment on a poor golf shot saying “Come back, your mother and your father still love you”. Rest in peace good soul.

    Robert Burns

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When I saw he served on the Tuna during WW II gave me a chance to learn about Pat's modesty and bravery. His humor stays with me when he would comment on a poor golf shot saying "Come back, your mother and your father still love you". Rest in peace good soul.

  4. Douglas Craig Seibel

    My first memory of Uncle Pat was at his wedding when I was about 3. My mother was in the wedding party and when I spotted her, I went running to the front of the church; someone managed to catch me and bring me back to my pew. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Patti were my favorite Aunt and Uncle. They were always so much fun to be around when we gathered at grandma’s house on holidays when Pat and Patti were home from college. I saw less of them after they left for New York where Pat worked for IBM. I want to express my condolences to Leslie and Eric. God bless Uncle Pat.

    Douglas Craig Seibel

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    My first memory of Uncle Pat was at his wedding when I was about 3. My mother was in the wedding party and when I spotted her, I went running to the front of the church; someone managed to catch me and bring me back to my pew. My Uncle Pat and Aunt Patti were my favorite Aunt and Uncle. They were always so much fun to be around when we gathered at grandma's house on holidays when Pat and Patti were home from college. I saw less of them after they left for New York where Pat worked for IBM. I want to express my condolences to Leslie and Eric. God bless Uncle Pat.

  5. I met Pat playing golf with the RSGL. I saw the name of his boat on his golf hat and immediately knew he was a special person. We talked about some of his patrols, the end of the war, and how happy he was to have made it thru it all. One of his favorite golf expressions after a bad shot was, ” Come back, your mother and your father still love you”. We still love you is the story of his life. Rest in peace.

    Robert Burns

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I met Pat playing golf with the RSGL. I saw the name of his boat on his golf hat and immediately knew he was a special person. We talked about some of his patrols, the end of the war, and how happy he was to have made it thru it all. One of his favorite golf expressions after a bad shot was, " Come back, your mother and your father still love you". We still love you is the story of his life. Rest in peace.

  6. I played golf with Pat for several years and will always remember our trip to Arkansas. Lots of fun to be around and talk to .

    Bobby Flanagin

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I played golf with Pat for several years and will always remember our trip to Arkansas. Lots of fun to be around and talk to .

  7. Met Pat through Knights of Columbus at Prince of Peace. Always enjoyed our visits. He will be missed.

    Lee

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Met Pat through Knights of Columbus at Prince of Peace. Always enjoyed our visits. He will be missed.

  8. Lew & Stella Sherer

    We met Pat and Patty many years ago and they were a wonderful couple, After Patty passed away we would pick up Pat and take him to lunch, His front door was always unlocked and I would scold him but he never listened. He always had to have his glass of wine while we had a nice conversation. He will be missed by all but know he is with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

    Lew & Stella Sherer

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We met Pat and Patty many years ago and they were a wonderful couple, After Patty passed away we would pick up Pat and take him to lunch, His front door was always unlocked and I would scold him but he never listened. He always had to have his glass of wine while we had a nice conversation. He will be missed by all but know he is with our Lord in his heavenly kingdom.

  9. Patrick, the world is a quieter place now with you no longer in it. But the heavens will be in for some excitement now that you, Bernie Curran and Father Jim are in the same arena again. Our loss, Patrick. I will miss you.

    Gloria Parrella

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Patrick, the world is a quieter place now with you no longer in it. But the heavens will be in for some excitement now that you, Bernie Curran and Father Jim are in the same arena again. Our loss, Patrick. I will miss you.

  10. I met him when we were going to church at the movie theater, then the high school, before we built Prince of Peace. He was a wonderful man, and his wife was a sweetheart. They certainly were a wonderful couple.

    Fred Preston

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I met him when we were going to church at the movie theater, then the high school, before we built Prince of Peace. He was a wonderful man, and his wife was a sweetheart. They certainly were a wonderful couple.

  11. Pat and his wife Patti were such wonderful people. They were always so supportive of my work in Honduras and their deep faith was an inspiration to many. I know he is so happy now to be reunited with Patti and no doubt challenging Father Jim to a round of golf.

    Anne Alleman

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Pat and his wife Patti were such wonderful people. They were always so supportive of my work in Honduras and their deep faith was an inspiration to many. I know he is so happy now to be reunited with Patti and no doubt challenging Father Jim to a round of golf.

  12. He was a cherished member of the original group of energetic parishioners that planted the tree under which we at Prince of Peace now sit. Pat is off to join those members of that group that went ahead of him. God bless him and the others of that group that still cherish the tree they helped create.

    Joe Bindo

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    He was a cherished member of the original group of energetic parishioners that planted the tree under which we at Prince of Peace now sit. Pat is off to join those members of that group that went ahead of him. God bless him and the others of that group that still cherish the tree they helped create.

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The maximum upload file size: 100 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here