COLUMBUS — Richard James Beemster, 85, died July 8, 2025, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, at Cockrell Funeral Home Chapel, with Justin Grifford officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30-1 p.m. prior to services at the funeral home. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Beemster was born July 22, 1939, in Blue Island, Illinois, to the late James Peter and Irene Mayton Beemster. He was a graduate of St. Willow Brook High School in Chicago and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was formerly employed as a computer operations manager at LE Meyers Electrical and Utilities.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his children, Rick Beemster and Pamela Curatolo.

He is survived by his wife, Annie Beemster; son, Doug Beemster; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.