Donald Ray McBeth, age 80, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Don was born on October 13, 1945, in Marion, the son of Wayne B. and Vivian Beatrice (Rizer) McBeth. A proud patriot, he served his country during the Vietnam War as a field medic in the United States Army, until his honorable discharge. Following his military service, Don was employed by the Whirlpool Corporation, where he worked as an assembler for more than 30 years.
Don was united in marriage to Barbara D. Harper on April 21, 1973 in Washington Court House, and together they shared a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
Don had a deep and abiding faith in God. He served as a minister at Second Wesleyan Church prior to its merger with two other congregations to form Dayspring Wesleyan Church, where Don and Barb were faithful members for many years.
A man of many talents, Don was a gifted artist, knitter, and crocheter. While teaching Sunday school, he often used chalk drawings to bring Bible stories to life. He also painted the backdrop for the production Down by the Creek Bank. Don enjoyed cooking, but he truly shined as a baker—he had a sweet tooth, and there was always room for dessert. Though a man of quiet reserve, he delighted in reminiscing about his childhood shenanigans, which included putting on a puppet show for his younger siblings and neighborhood kids.
Above all else, Don cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud and present father who made it to every event he could, and a loving grandfather whose legacy of faith, creativity, and kindness will live on in all who knew him.
Those who will cherish his memories include his wife of 52 years, Barbara McBeth of Marion, Ohio; his children, Nathan R. (Gale) McBeth of Marion, Ohio, Chad (Julia) McBeth of Elizabethtown, Kentucky and Heather (Jon) Vitello of Marion, Ohio; his grandchildren, Abigail, Annette, and Allison McBeth, Kayla and Keifer Dalton, Easton McBeth, and Gideon Vitello; his siblings, Kathleen Jensen of Lindale, Texas, Kay (Jim) Booth of Bluffton, South Carolina, Sharon (Chuck) Tatman of Ashville, Ohio, Janet (Bruce) Roland of Caledonia, Ohio and Joe (Pat) McBeth of Springfield, Ohio; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Marlene Dodge and Larry McBeth.
Friends and family may come to honor Don's life on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Dayspring Wesleyan Church, 2431 Marion-Mt Gilead Rd, Marion from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will be at the church on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM followed by military honors. Burial will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Washington Cemetery, 1741 Washington Ave, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 at 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be given in Don's memory to One Plus God in care of Dayspring Wesleyan Church to assist in building a church in Thailand.