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In Memory of Bill MacBeth III

William Harlow "Bill" MacBeth III of O'Fallon Missouri passed away October 7, 2010 at the age of 83 years, 8 months and 22 days. Born in Cleveland and raised in Madison on MacBeth Acres along the Grand River in Northeast Ohio (now home to Little Thunder Golf Course), he was a 1945 graduate of Madison High School, Veteran of the U.S. Navy and WWII, and 1952 graduate of Bowling Green State University. Bill worked in the field of industrial engineering - product development, management and sales. He married Lois Notter MacBeth of Sandusky Ohio, and became father to three children - Billy, Pam and Don. Throughout his life, Bill was a sports enthusiast, coach, and singer; passionate, optimistic and positive; and above all else, a dedicated father. In retirement, Bill became "Dad" to everyone at Culver-Stockton College, Canton Missouri, serving as Delta Upsilon House Father, 1994 to 2002. In this role he influenced countless lives. Bill is survived by his three children; his sister, Marilyn Grof of Akron Ohio, and six grandchildren. Two memorial receptions will be held in his honor: Saturday, October 30, 3-6pm, in Canton Missouri at Meaders Lounge (located in the Gladys Crown Student Center) on the campus of Culver-Stockton College; and Monday, November 1, 4-8pm at the home of Pam MacBeth, #4 Whispering Windsong Ct, O’Fallon Missouri.

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Your Memories

My memory is more of a feeling than an actual occurrence. Jazz music and good conversation and the grandfatherly feeling of love and acceptance were always a part of the time we shared. I remember Bill telling me something about his contribution to the current composition of the quarter. He was a brilliant man who knew so much about so many topics, including how to make every Culver-Stockton student feel totally accepted and cared for. I remember dad's 80th birthday party, I remember calling him, even after graduating, and ending up on the phone for over two hours, and silly though it may seem, I still haven't been able to delete his number from my phone... I guess my memory really boils down to a man who always made me smile, called me "Ana" when everyone else called me "Anna" (which just set him apart from everyone else!) and the feeling of joy that I (and I'm sure everyone else) got just from being in his presence.
Anna (Schlager) Leach - 2005

Dad was a great houseparent to everyone on campus. Could always make you smile. He loved being here with the students. I am sure there were students around who never knew his name was not really Dad because he treated everyone like you were his family.
Jim Cosgrove -

I remember meeting him for the first time during my freshman year and having a blast talking to him. During my four years at school I always searched him out for advice. He told me to shoot for the stars and my dreams would come true. I will miss you dad, but will remember your advice. Thank you for being a friend.
Shaun Wagner - 2006

What can one say about Dad? My memories of him are vast and cheerful. After the excitement of Delta Upsilon moving into a house, we were even more excited to know we would be given a house parent. The brothers of Delta Upsilon were thrilled when we found Dad. He was just what we needed...strong leader, well-traveled and able to set us straight when the time arose. Dad blessed each and every person he came in contact with. His "Hey Man" was just the boost of encouragement one needed to get through the ups and downs of college life. He was generous, caring, full of love and dedicated to every cause he could take part. My best memories are those of his many life adventures that he shared with me. He always encouraged one to follow your dreams. I miss him and know that Delta Upsilon and Culver-Stockton are a better placed because of him. "Love ya Dad!" "Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened." -author unknown. Thank you for making the days, days to smile.
John W. Dunning - 1998

I became a member of Delta Upsilon the year after Dad left, but I remember him visiting campus regularly to talk with friends and to meet new members of the chapter. Dad taught me a lot about finding myself and following my passions even though we only met a few times. The impact that he had on the campus community was missed when he left and I see now as an employee how his passing away still affects the campus if only through the faculty and staff that called him friend.
Tony Luetkenhaus - 2006

Bill wasn't just known as Dad to the members of Delta Upsilon, he was known as Dad by everyone. He knew everyone and wanted to know everyone on a name basis. He wanted to listen to your hopes and frustrations and he was there when you needed a little encouragement. My parents always felt things were going to be fine while I was at college as long as they knew Bill MacBeth was going to be around. I will never forget hearing him say everyday "Hey Man!" I am a better man for having known Dad. Love You Dad, I'll never forget you.
William Dunning - 2000

It was highly suggested that all pledges of Delta Upsilon interview all of the other members of the house. I was a pledge the first year Dad was a part of the house. We as a pledge class decided to interview Dad as an entire class. At least for my time there that became a tradition. All pledge classes had to interview him. Now, with the active interviews we got them done as quickly as we could. House Dad was a different story. I remember sitting in the 3rd Floor "Smoking Lounge" just talking to him for over an hour. Dad was always there for us and glad to be a part of our lives. We are all better people for having DU Dad in our lives. He will be missed.
Kevin Ferry - 1998