City Remembers Founder of Senior Commission, Fieldcrest Neighborhood Watch

Community leader and longtime Oak Forest resident Don Beaty, 78, died March 2. Beaty is best known for his contributions to the Senior Commission and founding the city's oldest neighborhood watch program, Fieldcrest.

Friends remember Beaty as someone who "pulled no punches" and led the Oak Forest community passionately and proudly.

Oak Forest Crime Prevention Committee Chair Dennis Mitzner likened Beaty to a father figure, someone who could make sense of anything.

Beaty and his wife of 55 years Beverly were active members of the Senior Commission, Catholic Charities and many other groups. He worked for several different railroad companies before retiring in 1987. His favorite activity was fishing and he enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren the sport he loved.

Beaty was a devoted father of Bruce Sr., Scott and LaDonna; he was a loving grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of four. He was a brother to Jane and Nancy.

"Beaty pulled no punches, what you saw is what you got," wrote Mitzner in an email to Patch. "He will be missed, but remembered by all."

Funeral services were held Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to .