Theodore Neale "Ted" Beattie, 86, of Mears, died Friday, April 12, 2019, at the Oceana County Medical Care Facility in Hart. He was born December 2, 1932, at his grandparents' house in Elba Township, outside Lapeer, the third child and only son of Maynard and Velma (Smith) Beattie.

In January of 1959, Ted married Karen Bruce in Denver, Colorado. Together they celebrated their 60 ^th anniversary this year.

In his life, Ted was known for his affinity for machinery. Early on, he worked land for his father and his grandfather; tilling, planting, and harvesting from the back of the tractor. When he graduated, he entered the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked on the flight line and eventually undertook pilot training. After his discharge, he took up with the Operating Engineers, Local 324, driving heavy equipment to build roads, power plants, and airports around the state of Michigan. At different points, he drove semis for different companies in West Michigan, traveling the breadth of the United States. In his spare time, he bought and restored several farm tractors and pieces of heavy equipment for his private use.

Ted is survived by: his wife, Kae; three sons, Roderick (Lilia) Beattie, Robin Beattie, and Reuben (Tina) Beattie; five grandchildren, Beau, Ilima, Nakoa, Lucas, and Anastasia; sister, Joanna Mawer; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ted was preceded in death by: his parents; and his older sister, Mary Lou Seelbinder.

Cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate his life will take place at 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the Big Hart Brewery, 4086 W. Polk Road, Hart, Michigan 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com