Earle John Beesley, Sr.March 26, 1934 - August 18, 2017Salem - Earle John Beesley, Sr. was born on March 26, 1934 in Paxton, Illinois the oldest of eight children. He used to laugh that he was born in the back seat of a car stuck on the railroad tracks. He served in the United States Navy. For much of his adult life he was a truck driver. He was a member of Teamsters 959 and drove truck on the Alaska pipeline.Earle got involved in DeMolay when he was young and that inspired his interest in civic service. He was a 50 plus years member of the Shriner's and served as President of the Salem club twice. He was also a 50 year member of the Masons and Elks Club.He entertained kids at the Shrine Children's Clinic and other functions in Alaska as a clown and loved to laugh and make others laugh. The kids adored him.Earle is survived by Peggy, his wife of 31 years, a son John (Brenda) and daughter Kim (Ron) along with three step daughters Jean, Julie and Tracy, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by two brothers Karl and Art and two sisters Marguerite and Marcella and many nieces and nephews.A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 PM, Friday, August 25th at The Scottish Rite Temple at 4090 Commercial St. SE, Salem. Arrangements are by City View Funeral Home.Contributions In Memoriam may be made to the in Portland or the Silverton Alumni Association.