Beheler, Dr. Edward M. 1930-2026 St. Joseph, Mo.

SCOTTDALE, Ariz. – Dr. Edward M. Beheler passed away Jan. 24, 2026, at the remarkable age of 95½ years.

Born on June 30, 1930, in Marlin, Texas, to Edward and Nona Beheler, Ed Beheler led a life marked by dedication, compassion, and service. His journey in medicine began at Tulane University, where he earned his medical degree. Following his residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, IL, during which he met and married his wife, Adrine, he further served our nation with distinction as a flight surgeon serving aboard the USS Intrepid as part of the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

In 1965, Ed and his family settled in St. Joseph where he practiced as a general and thoracic surgeon until his retirement from medicine in 2005 at the age of 75. His commitment to his patients was unwavering, and he took great pleasure in not only caring for their health but also in getting to know them personally. After retiring from his medical career, he transitioned to an investing practice, which he pursued passionately for the remainder of his life.

He was an active member of the St. Joseph community, finding fellowship in various organizations, including the Francis Street United Methodist Church, the St. Joseph Country Club, the Benton Club, and the Moila Country Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Heartland Medical Center/Mosaic and for decades volunteered his medical services weekly to the Patee Hall Clinic (Patee Market Health Center).

Beyond his professional life, Ed found solace and happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed exploring the backroads of Andrew County, watching classic films from the 40s and 50s, and savoring steak dinners with his family. He particularly enjoyed spending time at his farm and took great pride in being one of the first to participate in the reintroduction of warm season prairie grasses as part of a grazing plan for cattle. Blessed with a wonderful sense of humor, he relished robust conversations and sharing stories with others. As a descendant of sharecroppers, he strongly believed in the security, stability, and personal satisfaction of home ownership and put his convictions into practice by encouraging and assisting others with home purchases at least a half dozen times.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nona; and his sister, Patsy Beheler.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Adrine, of Scottsdale, Arizona; his son, Richard Beheler of Kansas City, Missouri; and his daughter, Linda Beheler, of Dallas, Texas.

No service is planned. For those wishing to do so, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to St. Joseph’s InterServ or the Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri.

Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.