Martell Beeton's Obituary
Martell Beeton was born on October 3, 1934 in Malad, Idaho. He grew up ten miles south of Malad on the family farm, with his parents, James and Sara Beeton, his sisters, Margaret and Della, and his brother Gerald. Attending Malad High School, he worked hard to develop skills in sports and music. Martell then attended Utah State University, majoring in Civil Engineering and Education, lettering in basketball, baseball, and track.
After two years in college, Martell served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern States mission. Upon his return, Martell married his sweetheart Elaine Allen in the Manti temple. One week later, he left for boot camp in the U.S. Army, and was soon stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. He became the Special Services officer responsible for athletics and entertainment of troops for 28,000 soldiers, coaching All-Americans and professional athletes, and playing on the military All-star Basketball Team. Martell loved the military and developed a great love for his country there. He studied law at George Washington University in Washington D.C., later finishing his degree at the University of San Fernando.
Upon leaving the military, Martell and his family moved to Los Angeles, California, planning to coach basketball for one year at Long Beach State, then enter his law practice. However, along the way he felt prompted to accept an offer to teach and coach for the L.A. Public School system. He stayed for the next 20 years in Burbank, California; teaching English, history, government, math and driver's education; coaching football, basketball, baseball and track.
Martell was an exceptional athlete, a natural born teacher and a life-long student, accumulating a PhD, an LLB, and multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and always let everyone he worked with know exactly what he believed. He served in three bishoprics and various other ward and stake callings, his favorite being Gospel Doctrine teacher. Martell was also asked to participate in the LDS church's "Know Your Religion" circuit series, and enjoyed traveling to surrounding states, speaking on the destiny of America.
In 1981, after receiving an offer to practice law in Salt Lake City, the family packed their bags and returned to Utah. However, there he soon received another offer to teach high school in Clearfield, and the temptation was again was too great. He taught for another eleven years, spent a few semesters teaching history at Salt Lake Community College, and culminated his teaching career as a Driver Training instructor at the Weber Basin Job Corp for an additional thirteen years. Martell felt this concluding assignment was the most important of his career, influencing the lives of hundreds of troubled kids. He loved sharing his values and ideals as they drove around the beautiful back roads of northern Utah.
Martell’s family was the pride and joy of his life. He enjoyed no one’s companionship as much as his wife Elaine’s, and in their final years they were inseparable. Together they raised five children: Janis Rae, Halbert Martell, Daniel Terry, Carol Ann, and Bret Gerald. He was the best and dearest of dads. We love and miss him so.
The five things he valued most were his wife and children, the gospel of Jesus Christ, his country, and his friends.
On June 3 Martell slipped quietly away from this life, after months of battling after-effects of Covid 19. Preceded in death by Elaine, he is survived by his daughter Janis Kelson (Michael), son Halbert Beeton, son Daniel Beeton (Christine), daughter Carol Ann Beeton, son Bret Beeton (Theresa), his fifteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Memorial services for Martell will be held Saturday, June 11th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Val Verda 4th Ward chapel, located at 2633 S. 50 West, Bountiful, Utah, 84010. Viewing will be held from 9:00-10:00 A.M.; services will commence at 10:30 A.M.
Zoom link for the services
https://zoom.us/j/98488065258?pwd=MUd6VHg1cnJJVW80MU5pMnhYZ21Ldz09
Meeting ID:
984 8806 5258
Passcode: 784464
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