BEARDSLEE, KENNETH R.- Of Spring Arbor, went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 24, 2011. Born January 7, 1925 in Perry, Michigan, he was the eldest of seven children of Robert and Fern Beardslee. For 60 years, Kenneth was beloved husband of Estella (Cleveland) Beardslee. He earned his associate's degree at Spring Arbor Junior College, his BA at Western Michigan University in 1950 and his MBA at University of Michigan. For the next 41 years, he served Spring Arbor College (now University.) He taught business courses, coached four sports, and eventually became Vice President for Business Affairs. Upon retirement in 1992, he was elected to the Jackson County Commission. Kenneth served on the Western School Board of Education for 38 years, 26 of them as President. He was a leading layman in the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church, holding various positions. Kenneth ran for State Representative in the Republican Primary in 1972 and was the Jackson County Chair for Ronald Reagan's presidential campaign in 1980. During the course of his life, he was named Jackson County Republican of the Year, Citizen Patriot Citizen of the Year in 2000, and was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame and the Spring Arbor University Athletic Hall of Fame. Above all, Ken's devotion to God and family has been the hallmark of his life. His four children, Janice (Gary) Johnson, Linda (John) Adams, Kendra (Ed) St. John, and Paul (Tonya) Beardslee; have enjoyed the blessing of his love for a lifetime. Ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also have shared in the privilege of his love. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Elaine, and his brother, Verlyn. Surviving siblings are Dale Beardslee, Donna Haskell, Lois Blackburn, and Lyle Beardslee. The family wishes to express gratitude for the devoted care of Arbor Manor employees for the past four and a half years. The funeral service will be held at Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church on Friday, January 28 at 1 p.m., with Pastor Mark Van Valin officiating. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ken and Estella Beardslee Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at Spring Arbor University. The family will receive visitors at J. L. Watson Funeral Chapel on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.