Gerald Madison Beightel, 97, of Holton, KS passed away October 23, 2014 at Holton Community Hospital. He was born February 17, 1917 in rural Holton the son of Marion A. and Alice E. (Fisher) Beightel.

Gerald graduated from Circleville High School in 1934 at the age of 17 as Valedictorian. He was a farmer and stockman and was employed at Holton Livestock Exchange for many years. Gerald was a member of the Circleville Methodist Church and former member of Banner Grange. He served on the Pleasant Valley and Circleville High School Boards and former board member of Nek-Cap. Gerald also served as Jackson County Commissioner for one term and served many terms on Silver Haired Legislator.

He married Dorothy A. Kane on May 21, 1938 in Hiawatha. She survives of the home. Other survivors include 6 children, Mary Ellen Edwards of Holton, KS, Geraldine Moore of Maple Hill, KS, Susie Wichman (Verlin) of Holton, KS, Bob Beightel (Linda) of Holton, KS, David Beightel (Jan) of Eureka, MO and Virginia Christian (Steve) of Topeka, KS; a sister, Berniece Hyman of Mocksville, NC; 17 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mary Patricia Wichman; a sister, Dorothy Hensley and 4 brothers, Paul, Marvin, Delmer and Merrill Beightel.

Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014 at the Circleville Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at a later date in Olive Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Beck-Bookman Library or The Holton Community Hospital Butterfly Room c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.