"Sonny" Albert Burton Beacham

Albert Burton Beacham III, known to all as "Sonny," went home to his Heavenly Father on August 3, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 87.

Sonny's story began on September 20, 1938, in Powell, Wyoming, where he was born to Albert Burton Beacham II and Thelma Pittman Beacham. In the early 1940s, his family put down roots in Jensen, Utah. His childhood was filled with hard work and youthful adventures of the kind one might expect to find only in the pages of a novel. He loved telling stories of one-room schoolhouses, tipping outhouses, shoveling chicken manure, building cars, and making deliveries to Josie at her remote cabin—all before graduating from Uintah High School in 1956.

After his youthful adventures, Sonny settled in Vernal, Utah, and devoted himself to building a life through hard work. On August 31, 1960, he married Mary Elizabeth Day. Together they welcomed three children into their family: Cathy, Scott, and Brent. Although their marriage ultimately ended in divorce, Sonny later met the love of his life, Merilyn Madsen. They were married on June 27, 1981, and through their union Sonny joyfully welcomed her two children, David and Michelle, into his life, loving and raising them as his own.

For 20 years, Sonny was a familiar sight throughout the community. With his impeccable sideburns, crisp blue button-down shirts, warm smile, and the unmistakable oversized yellow Wheeler Machinery field truck he drove, he was instantly recognizable. He retired from Wheeler Machinery in 2002 after years of dedicated service.

Like many quiet men of extraordinary character, Sonny's greatest work was rooted in his faith. When the Episcopal congregations in the Uintah Basin struggled to retain a priest, he answered what he believed to be his

calling. For years he devoted his evenings and weekends to diligent study before being joyfully ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church on August 2, 1987. Following his ordination, Sonny faithfully served the people of the Uintah Basin as pastor of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Vernal, St. Elizabeth's in Whiterocks, Church of the Holy Spirit in Randlett, Utah, and St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Rangely, Colorado. He ministered with compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion until his retirement from active ministry in the mid-2000s.

Even while dedicating himself to his family, career, and church, Sonny always found time to work with his hands. He poured his heart into woodworking, crafting beautiful jewelry boxes, dressers, and countless other pieces that will be treasured for generations. Beyond his own workshop, he never turned down an opportunity to help someone build, repair, or create something. When he wasn't in the shop or serving at church, Sonny could usually be found in the mountains, content with a fishing line in the water beside family and friends or sitting around a campfire with a hot cup of coffee, enjoying the simple blessings of life.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Burton Beacham II and Thelma Pittman Beacham; his sister, Peggy Beacham; his brother, Gilbert Oren Beacham; and his son, Scott Allen Beacham.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Merilyn; his children, Cathy (Jim Jensen) Graham, Brent Beacham, David (Karen) Beacham, and Michelle (Steve) Lukas; his sister, Anna Mae Beacham; and five cherished grandchildren.

Sonny leaves behind a life and legacy forged through love, compassion, and service. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering character touched the lives of everyone who knew him in ways that can never be repaid—only honored by striving to emulate the example he set. Though he will be deeply missed, his faith, his quiet strength, and the love he so freely gave will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

A service celebrating Sonny's life will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m.