Carl Monroe Beam was born in Ceres, Stanislaus County, California on June 22, 1914 to James Ray Beam and Una (Caulkins) Beam, both of Storm Lake, Iowa. He was the second of four sons, all born in Ceres. Carl was raised on the family's ranch in Ceres and attended local schools and was a member of the Methodist Church. He learned many skills on the ranch which contributed to his ability to "repair anything" and also "invented" many things for use around his home and other places. Carl worked in various trades, including mechanic, butcher, plumber, welder, woodworker, furniture refinisher and upholsterer. Carl and his wife Thelma, raised a daughter Edith Mae and son Raymond Edward in Stockton, San Joaquin County, California. Carl retired from Sears Roebuck after 25-years of service. He was a Scout Master of the Boy Scouts of America. He was an excellent outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing, both in-state and out and had many trophies of which he was very proud. Carl was also a rock hound, and enjoyed lapidary as a hobby. He helped found the Stockton Sportsman's Club and was an active member for 45-years where he became an expert trap shooter. He won many prizes and trophies in competitive events.. He was also a member of the Stockton Waterloo Gun and Bocci Club. He served on the Board of Directors of both organizations. In a memorial tribute prepared by the Stockton Sportsmen's Club, he was "remembered for his loyalty to the club and his unselfishness, honesty, and sense of fair play. Few people have the character of Carl Beam." Carl had lived with his wife in Manteca, California for more than 30-years and died in a Manteca hospital on June 1, 1993, at age 78 years.