ALTON

Cleophus Beamon, 72, departed this life at 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2013, with his family by his side at his family home.

;Cleophus was born Feb. 11, 1941, in Coahoma County, Miss., to Clara Beamon Brown, now deceased. He was raised by his grandparents, the late Charles and Adeline Beamon.

He attended public schools in Alton where he excelled in sports, track and football. After graduating, Mr. Beamon enlisted in the United States Navy under the buddy system and William Paul Smith. He worked construction for many years before being employed for First Student Inc. as bus driver until his health failed him.

He leaves to cherish fond memories: a sister, Yvonne Ellington of Alton; a brother-cousin, Larry (Mary)Walker of Las Vegas; an uncle, Benny Beamon of Elgin, Ill.; two aunts, Bernice Beamon of Detroit and Rita Beamon of Edwardsville; a nephew, who was caregiver, Carl McSwyne; his fiancee's children; special friends, Warren McClain, Henry Gaitor and Tom Caffey; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and co-workers.

In addition to his mother and grandparents, he was preceded in death by a stepfather, Hoover Brown; his fiancee, Ethel McClemore; a brother, Alton Beamon, and sister-in-law, Jerry; a sister, Helen Purnell and brother-in-law, Larry Purnell, and a sister, Sharon Johnson.

Visitation will be from 9 until time of service at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. James Webb will officiate. Interment will be held at Upper Alton Cemetery.

Services are entrusted to Harrison Funeral Chapel and Cremation Center of Alton.