Bernard Waite Bernie Beers

Bernard Waite Beers, 91, of Perrysburg, Ohio and Naples, Florida died Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 21, 1925 to Frank and Florence (Cook) Beers. At the age of 5 Bernie and his family moved to Monclova, Ohio where he started school. Bernie graduated from Monclova High School in 1943. In his senior year he was chosen for the Navy V-12 program and began his training at Ohio Wesleyan, where he also joined Sigma Chi. After 38 months in the United States Navy he attended Bowling Green State University where he was a charter member of Sigma Chi and was a Phi Beta Kappa. He received his undergraduate and his Master’s Degrees in Education from BGSU. Bernie started teaching in Harrod, Ohio and later taught in Maumee and at the University of Toledo. He taught Science and Math and coached Junior High basketball. During this time he also continued his service in the Naval Reserves, completing his 20 years and attaining the rank of Lieutenant. Bernie married his sweetheart, Janet Shinaberry in 1952 and they were married for 64 years. Bernie was an avid sportsman and after retirement Bernie and Janet enjoyed traveling extensively. Bernie is survived by his wife, Janet Beers; son, Thomas (Ellen) Beers of Oak Harbor, Ohio; Susan (Michael) Hagan of Dayton, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Edna Bush, James Beers, Donald Beers, Grace Black and Harold Beers. A celebration of Bernie’s life will be held at a later date at Park Congregational Church, UCC, 1456 Harvard Blvd, Toledo, Ohio 43614, with burial in Fort Meigs Union Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Witzler Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, OH (419-874-3133) Memorial contributions may be made in Bernard’s name to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or Park Congregational Church, UCC. Condolences may be left online to the family at witzlershank.com.