Michael Hugh Beaver

Michael Hugh Beaver lived in Ottumwa for the majority of his life. He graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1967 and attended First Pentecostal Assembly of God. On March 20, 1968, Beaver enlisted in the Army, he completed his basic training at Fort Bliss, TX. He later completed specialist training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO and eventually earned the rank of Specialist 4. SP4 Beaver started his first tour of duty in South Vietnam during November 1968, where he served as a Bridge Crewman in the 18th Engineer Brigade. On December 29, 1969, SP4 Beaver was killed when the vehicle he was driving skidded and overturned. He was 21 years old and four months into his second tour at the time of his death. Memorial services were held on January 8, 1970 at First Pentecostal, where members of the American Legion served as pallbearers. His body was buried at Shaul Cemetery in Ottumwa.