Walter Duane Beauchamp

It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Duane Beauchamp of Plymouth announces his passing on February 24, 2025 at the age of 94.

Walt was born on June 16, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Ruth (née Olin) and Walter Leo Beauchamp. He is the beloved and devoted husband of the late Marie Beauchamp. Walt is deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed by his children, Walter Beauchamp, Susan Beauchamp, Beth (James) Townsend, Mark (Paula) Beauchamp. Walt is the proud grandfather of ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Walt is survived by his sister Nancy (Gerald) Farris and brother George Beauchamp. Walt is pre-deceased by his daughter, Ellen Bixler, granddaughter, Allison Weeks Gordon and son-in-law, Dennis Tallman.

Walt was born the eldest of three children to Leo and Ruth. From all accounts he lived a happy childhood in Detroit. He met Marie in catechism class during his junior year at Redford High School in 1947. They instantly fell in love and from that moment on Walt would think of no one but his Marie. In June of 1949, Walt graduated high school.

Walt and Marie were married on May 23, 1951 in Detroit, shortly after he enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. Walt honorably served as Corporal Regular Army until his discharge in November 1952. He served in Japan where he learned data processing, which was the foundational experience upon which Walt developed his lifelong career at Chrysler Corporation.

Walt and Marie raised five children in Lincoln Park and Allen Park Michigan. They worked hard to teach good values, the importance of family, and sacrificed financially in order to send all five children to Catholic school. Christmas and Easter were always special days in the Beauchamp home. Walt and Marie often hosted card night and played euchre with neighbors and friends. Walt even went to bingo a few times as it was one of Marie’s favorite pastimes at their church.

Walt retired from Chrysler in 1988, after which he and Marie moved to a lovely condo in Plymouth and also bought a winter home in Port Richey, Florida to be close to their daughter, Ellen and her family part of the year. Walt enjoyed visiting Bradington, Tarpon Springs and the Sponge Docks. One of his best memories was the cruise he and Marie took with some friends to the Bahamas. After Ellen passed away in January 2003, Walt and Marie sold their Florida home and lived together in Westland.

Walt and Marie enjoyed bowling. They belonged to several local leagues over the years. His handicap was 160 but he occasionally bowled a perfect 200 game. Walt continued to bowl after Marie’s passing in 2012, up until COVID at the age of 89.

To say that Walt loved Marie does not fully describe how deeply he respected and adored her. They were each other's best and closest love and friend. Walt only talked beautifully about Marie and of his vivid memories of them together. After Marie passed, he longed for her. His heart really never healed.

Walt lived his last two years in his apartment at Independence Village of Plymouth. Walt lived his life the way he wanted, simple and organized. He very much enjoyed watching sports, especially baseball. The Detroit Tigers was his favorite team.

Walt was so very blessed. He is greatly loved and forever will be missed.

A Celebration of Walt’s life is being planned for a later date.