Robert "Bob" E. Beetley

Robert “Bob” Edwin Beetley, 88, of Fairbury, Nebraska, died March 8, at Bryan Health East in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born January 31, 1934, in Fairbury, Nebraska, the first of three children of Otto and Elizabeth (Knight) Beetley. He had a deep love of music that influenced his entire life.

After graduating from Fairbury High School in 1952, Bob earned a degree from Southeast Community College in Fairbury in 1955. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska in 1963, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1971.

When Bob was a child, his family began two businesses, Beetley’s, a plant and produce stand, and Fairbury Iron and Metal. He worked in both until the end of his life, as both are still in operation today. He also served as Fairbury Chamber of Commerce manager in 1959.

While he enjoyed working with his family, Bob equally enjoyed making music. He began performing music professionally while still in high school and continued as both an amateur and professional for the next 60+ years. His performances ranged from participating in many Fairbury Kiwanis productions including “The Music Man” and “The Mikado,” to playing trombone and singing with the likes of the Bobby Lane Orchestra, where he played with Myron Floren of Lawrence Welk fame, the Bud Holloway Orchestra, the Dick Wickman Orchestra, Elgert’s Supper Club band and Phase IV.

Bob’s love of music was also evident in the many years he spent directing and teaching. He taught high school band and chorus beginning in 1963 in Western, Nebraska. For many subsequent years he taught high school music in Fairbury and Beatrice, where he directed yearly musicals, such as “Oklahoma” and “Guys and Dolls,” and presented many vocal and band concerts. He also served as church choir director at various times at the Presbyterian and Methodist churches in Fairbury and directed community bands and choirs.

Bob is survived by his children, Rebecca (David) Trimble of Goodyear, Arizona and Michael (Caroline) Beetley of Chicago, sister Roberta Isaac of Oklahoma City, brother Steven Beetley (Paula Henry) of Fairbury and niece Ann Beetley-Runge of Beatrice.

He is also remembered fondly by the many friends, former students, fellow musicians, and other associates whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place later this year in Fairbury. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com