BEELER, BERNARD M.

B. Michael (Mike) Beeler, 75, of Sugar Land, Texas, passed away peacefully March 6, 2000, after his battle with cancer. Beeler served in the famed “Carlson’s Raiders” during the World War II battle for Guadalcanal, participating in the famous “Long Patrol” which covered 150 miles in 31 days, and accounted for nearly 500 enemy casualties. Beeler also served with the Raiders at Bougainville and with the Fourth Marine Regiment during the battles at Emirau Island, Guam and Marianas Island. After World War II, Beeler attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in geology. He later earned an MBA from the University of Evansville. Beeler then spent many years in the oil exploration business, traveling and consulting throughout the world. He also founded and, for over 30 years, operated Mike Beeler Oil Company in southern Indiana and Illinois. Following his retirement in Houston, Beeler continued an active life in several organizations, including: Marine Raider Association president and board of directors, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation board of directors, Battle of Guadalcanal board of directors, Solomon Islands Foundation, Texas Association of Former Marines, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and Pioneers of the Petroleum Society. In 1997, he endowed a fellowship with the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to study the role of the enlisted Marine in WWII. He was also an avid golfer, and traveled extensively with his beloved family. Survivors include his wife, Timi; children, Debbie Schlichte and husband, Mike; David and wife, Pam; Dirk; Duane and wife, Lori; grandchildren, Michael and Brian Beeler, and Megan Schlichte; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rosary and visitation will be conducted at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Sugar Land on Friday, March 10, at 9:15 a.m., with Mass following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Houston National Cemetery, with military honors. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation in Mike Beeler’s memory be given to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Marine Corps Historical Center, or the Battle of Guadalcanal Foundation.