David Beten

David Beten 81 of Burton passed away Sunday October 29, 2023, at Burton Health Care. He was born May 29, 1942, in McKeesport, PA. to the late Robert John and Kathryn Mae (Hoge) Beten. David graduated from Thomas Jefferson High school in Clairton, PA., received his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from California State University of Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in Education Administration from Kent State University. He was a teacher of biology and principal at Berkshire High School, vocational director for Geauga County, vice principal of James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville, vocational director for Brush High School in Euclid, and Vocational Education Consultant for Kent State University Geauga Branch. In his younger years he was an Eagle Scout. David was a member of Burton Congregational Church, the Ruritan National Club in Burton, was on the board of "Project Love" for Northeast Ohio High schools. He also was a well-loved coach of Berkshire's track and cross-country teams, and was inducted into The Coach’s Hall of Fame for Berkshire schools. Many knew him as "The Voice of the Badgers" for many years. Besides his school activities he was a skilled wood carver teaching woodcarving class at the Geauga County Senior Center.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 60 years Kathleen Elizabeth (Gunia) Beten whom he married in April of 1964, daughter, Lisa (Brett) Swain, grandchildren, Ian (Courtney) Prokes, Marco Nesic, and Brian Nesic, great grandchildren, Luke, and Vinny Prokes. He will also be missed by his sister Roberta Beten, and a brother, John Lee( Andrea) Beten, and many nieces and nephews. Beside his parents he was preceded in death by his son David E. Beten 2006, a sister Kathy (Beten) Hilf 2018.

Calling hours will be held Friday November 3, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 W. High Street, Middlefield, Ohio 44062. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday November 4, 2023, at Burton Congregational Church,14558 W Park St, Burton, OH 44021, with Pastor Bob Richardson officiating. 

Memorial Donation can be made in David’s name to the Burton Public Library, P.O. Box 427

Burton, OH 44021 or to the Berkshire Athletic Boosters, 14155 Claridon Troy Rd, Burton, OH 44021.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com 

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