The Rev. E. Maynard Beal age 78 of Rockford, IL died Tuesday August 5, 2008. He was born January 31, 1930 in Boston to Ellery and Marian (Smith) Beal. He married the former Jean Tapp on June 13, 1953 in Chicago. Rev. Beal graduated from Viroqua High School in Wisconsin, received his B.A. from Cornell College and his M.A. in spiritual formation from Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. He was also a graduate of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, receiving his ordination to ministry for the United Methodist Church. Rev. Beal served congregations in Illinois, including Manhattan, Arlington Heights, Yorkville, Dalton, Elk Grove Village and Oregon. Rev. Beal and his family vacationed at their cottage in Pentwater for 45 years. In 1967 and 1968, he took a sabbatical and toured the world. He did a pastoral exchange to Radlett, England in 1991. In 1998 he and Jean had lived in Pentwater for 10 years. In Rockford, IL Rev. Beal was very involved with Rockford Urban Ministries, serving as director for many years. Rev. Beal is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean of Rockford, IL; their children, Daniel (Gaelyn) Beal of Bloomington, MN, Nancy (Stephen) Stodden of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Stephanie (Alan) Burke of Portsmouth, VA, Andrew Stodden and Timothy Stodden of Tulsa, OK; great granddaughter, Aoibhe Burke; sister, Pricilla Greenwood of Webster City, IA; brother, Phillip (Kathy) Beal of Holland, MI ; nephews, David and Philip Bair, Dayna (Marlys) Beal and Dwight Beal; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher. The Memorial Service for Rev. Beal will be held Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. from the Centenary United Methodist Church with the Rev. Harris Hoekwater officiating. Interment will be in the Pentwater Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the Centenary United Methodist Church.