Joel Winfield Beane

Joel Winfield Beane, age 80, of Kingwood passed away Friday, June 21, 2024. Joel was born May 13, 1944, in Orange, New Jersey, a son of the late Harold Francis Beane and Eugenia Frances (Kayhart) Beane.

Joel was a 1962 graduate of Madison High School, Madison, NJ. He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BA degree, and the University of Kentucky with a Masters of Library Science. He was in the US Air Force and a veteran of the Bay of Pigs invasion. He also served as an interpreter and could speak four languages. Joel will be fondly remembered by many in the community as a librarian at the Kingwood Library, where he made many lifelong friends. He was named Librarian Emeritus of the Kingwood Public Library and awarded a bronze plaque in August of 2022, after 50 years of service.

Joel was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Kingwood, the Kingwood Lions Club, Kingwood Fire Department, The McGrew Society, and a founding member ot the Arthurdale Heritage Society, the American Library Association, a life member of the WV Library Association, the Mid-Atlantic Clown Association, and the former Morgantown Stamp Club. He traveled extensively all over the US to conventions and library related events. He was an avid stamp collector and enjoyed collecting coins.

Surviving are: one sister, Carol A. Beane, of Frenchtown, NJ; one brother, Peter K. Beane, of Palm Bay, FL; two nephews, Ryan Mulhall, of Pawtucket, RI; Michael A. Maloney, of Boonton, NJ; and one niece, Lorraine A. Maloney, of Boonton, NJ.

In addition to his parents, Joel was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Maloney, of Tannersville, PA.

Please consider a donation in memory of Joel to: the Wesley United Methodist Church of Kingwood, the Kingwood Public Library, the McGrew Society, or the Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. 

In honor of Joel’s wishes cremation services will be accorded by Kingwood Funeral Home and Crematory, 295 S. Price Street, Kingwood, WV 26537. Friends will be received Friday, October 4, 2024, at the funeral home from 10 am until the time of service. Funeral services will be conducted at 12 noon on Friday, October 4, 2024. Reverend Jonathan Nettles officiating. Interment will follow at the WV National Cemetery, Grafton. Full military graveside rites will be conducted by the Taylor County Colorguard and their auxilaries.

Kingwood Funeral Home is honored to serve the Beane family.

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