Oliver…known to his friends as Ollie…was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jordan and Ella Mae (née Daniels) Beamon.

He was a force from Day 1! He came out swinging… and with a head full of gray hair! Ella Mae took that as a sign that her son would one day be great…and gave him the name Oliver Alphonso!

Ollie grew up in Philly and attended local Catholic schools. His competitive nature was apparent from a young age when he took home the Championship Title of the 1948 Philadelphia Marbles Tournament!

Ollie excelled in academics and athletics. He was a natural born leader and received dozens of achievement awards for 'Outstanding Service and Leadership' throughout Junior High and High School.

He attended Northeast High School, where he competed on the baseball team, and was a member of the 1953 Championship Football Team and the 1955 Championship Track Team! He also found time for boxing, too!

His talent and mental toughness as a football player earned Ollie a scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania.

At that time, he was the only black player on the football team. He played center and guard. Ollie regularly made headlines in the local newspapers for his outstanding performance and fierce tackles! He was named 'Lineman of the Year' in 1957!

Ollie was a member of the Delta Eta Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors in the late 1950's! He was both an Academic and Athletic All-American, and graduated with a sociology degree.

Next, Ollie attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he earned his Doctor of Medicine Degree. He received his Physician and Surgeon license from the State of Michigan in 1964.

In 1964, Ollie was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Captain and medical doctor, treating and caring for our soldiers during the Vietnam War. He received the Vietnam Services Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Oliver Beamon was honorably discharged in 1966.

After the war, he returned to Michigan to complete his medical residency. He intended to build a career as a general practitioner, but an  impromptu experience delivering a baby led Ollie to his true calling… a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He received his certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1973.

In 1970, Oliver married the love of his life, Lehua Wood at Union Baptist Church in Lansing, Michigan. They recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary!

After his residency, Ollie moved to Lansing, Michigan, where he started his private practice, and became the first black OBGYN in town. In 1983, Governor James Blanchard honored him with a 'Certificate of Special Tribute' for his outstanding work and contributions to the community.

Oliver delivered thousands of babies during his 30+ years of practice, including 2 sets of triplets! He practiced at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, and served as Chief of Staff of OBGYN, and was on Sparrow Hospital's Board of Directors in the mid 1990's. He also served as an Associate Clinical Professor at Michigan State University. Ollie was a member of the Alpha Chi Boulé of Lansing, Michigan, and a mentor to local youth.

Oliver loved music! In his youth, he played the saxophone, and once entertained the idea of playing professionally in a band! Ollie appreciated all genres of music. He had a diverse collection of jazz, pop, R&B, rap, classical…and country!

He loved watching movies and at one time had an impressive laser disc collection!

As an adult, Ollie discovered a love for tennis, and could often be found playing with his buddies at MSU and the local tennis clubs.

His family appreciated his impeccable culinary skills. Whether it was the grill, the stove, the oven or the blender, Ollie whipped up culinary masterpieces with incredible ease. He also loved ice cream, and if you weren't careful…he'd eat yours when you weren't looking!

During his retirement, Ollie volunteered at the Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing, Michigan. On December 26, 2009, he spontaneously brought home a 4 month old puppy. She quickly became a cherished member of the family, and was named Olivia!

Oliver is often described as determined, intelligent, calm under pressure, and compassionate. He had an amazing sense of humor, and a magnetic smile that lit up the room!

From a very young age, Oliver was determined "to be somebody." He was all of that and more to his patients, students, friends and family.

In the early morning hours of Thursday, November 6th, God said it was time for him to come on home and rest.

He was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed.

Oliver is survived by: his wife, Lehua; children, Kalei Beamon, Andrea Beamon Recasner, and Paul Beamon; granddaughter, Leah Recasner (August Shah); and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by: his mother, Ella Mae Beamon; father, Jordan Beamon; brothers, William Beamon and Charles Beamon; and sister, Carolyn Sanders West.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the University of Michigan Sparrow Health Foundation or the Lansing Capital Area Humane Society.

https://www.uofmhealthsparrow.org/um-health-sparrow-community-health/sparrow-foundation

https://www.cahs-lansing.org/

Join the family for a 'Celebration of Life,' Saturday, November 15th, 3:00-7:00 PM at Capital Prime located at 2324 Showtime Drive, Lansing, MI 48912. Dress is Casual. Come as you are and share some memories!