[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 73 (Monday, April 27, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO WARD BEECHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2026

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to my 
good friend and Navy veteran, Ward Beecher, who passed away on Tuesday, 
April 7, 2026. Ward lived a life grounded in love, service, family, and 
country, and he will be deeply missed.
  Ward was a true patriot. His love for this country wasn't just 
spoken--it was lived. From 1956 to 1960, Ward proudly served in the 
United States Navy aboard the MSO-490 minesweeper. That service was a 
defining part of who he was, and he carried the values of duty, 
loyalty, and quiet strength with him for the rest of his life. Ward was 
married to his wife, Diane Beecher, for 69 beautiful years. Together, 
they built a family that became his greatest pride--his three 
daughters, Lori, Lynn, and Jann; six grandchildren; seven great-
grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
  At home, Ward was known for his warm sense of humor. He loved joking 
around with his grandkids, managed to give everyone in the family a 
nickname, and ended every visit by saying `toodles.' He found joy in 
life's simple pleasures: cheering on the Oklahoma Sooners, listening to 
50s music, enjoying an In-N-Out burger, and reminiscing about his time 
growing up on the family farm in Oklahoma. Those stories were part of 
who he was, and he loved sharing them with anyone who would listen.
  I extend my personal and heartfelt condolences to the Beecher family, 
his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know Ward. Although he 
may be gone, the many contributions he made to his family and country 
have left an enduring legacy.

                          ____________________