Michael Merle "Shep" Beachem, 45, of 107 Smithwind Lane, Fombell, went home to be with his Lord Jesus at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday at Butler Memorial Hospital after a long illness.

Born in Ellwood City, Dec. 23, 1961, he was the son of James D. Sr. and Susan Lee Gallaher Beachem.

He had been a water tower painter throughout the United States.

Mr. Beachem was an avid pool player and enjoyed hunting, fishing and football. He was a member of the Hungarian Home, the Sons of Italy 608, the Eagles Club, the VFW and the American Legion of Unionville, Beaver County. He was well known for his good sense of humor.

He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all.

Surviving are a daughter, Chrystal Webb of Petrolia; a son, Devon Beachem of Ellwood City; and two grandchildren, Austin and Kaylee Kelly.

Also surviving are six brothers, Jesse and Linda Beachem of Zelienople, his twin, Mark and Cathy Beachem of Fombell, Rich and Lynnette Beachem and Raymond Beachem, all of New Castle, Brad Beachem of Ohio and James D. and Brandi Beachem Jr. of Ellwood City; five sisters, Bonnie Thompson of Slippery Rock, Becky and Ron Lagana of Franklin Township, Kimberly and James Brandt of Kennerdell, Nora and Timothy Boots of Ellwood City and Amy Beachem and her significant other, Bob Hall, of Colorado; his good friend, Herm; 17 nieces and nephews; and six great-nieces and great-nephews.

<B>BEACHEM</B> — Friends of Michael Merle "Shep" Beachem, who died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at <B>Samiel Teolis funeral Home</B>, 309 Spring Ave., Ellwood City.Services will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. John Milton officiating.Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to James D. Beachem Jr., 2779 Grandview Road, Ellwood City, PA 16117.