Glenn L. Beall

Glenn Lee Beall, 91, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, at his home at Lake Forest Place in Lake Forest, IL. Glenn is remembered as a beloved husband, cherished uncle, and a true pioneer in the plastics industry. Born on August 13, 1933, in Kewanee, Illinois, to the late W. Allen Beall and Lillie (Lee) Beall, Glenn's life was a testament to innovation, dedication, and an unwavering connection to his hometown of Wyoming, Illinois. His journey from a farm boy who was born and raised in rural Stark County to a globally recognized innovator in the plastics industry underscores a remarkable life lived with purpose and humility. Glenn's formative years began on a farm south of Wyoming, Illinois, where he cultivated the values of hard work and a down-to-earth demeanor. A proud graduate of Wyoming High School, he continued his education at Monmouth College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Bradley University in 1957. His enduring connection to his home community was recognized in 2022 with his induction into the Stark County Community School District Alumni Hall of Fame. At the induction, Glenn credited the strong foundation he received from Stark County schools during his youth. Glenn's impact on the plastics industry was revolutionary. After his time at Abbott Laboratories, where he secured 12 patents for innovative medical devices, he founded Glenn Beall Engineering, Inc. in 1968, obtaining an additional 23 patents. Beyond his inventions, Glenn was an educator, editor, author, expert witness, and industry activist, conducting over 650 seminars for nearly 30,000 people. His visionary leadership and contributions were recognized with his induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997 and the naming of the Society of Plastics Engineers International Product Design Award in his honor in 1995. In 2002, Glenn was the first American to be inducted as a Liveryman of the United Kingdom Worshipful Company of Horners, an organization that was founded in the year 1248. At the heart of Glenn’s life was his profound and enduring love for his wife and lifelong partner, Patsy Jo (Wheeler) Beall. They were high school sweethearts and shared an exceptional marriage that spanned 61 years. Patsy, whom Glenn often referred to as the "love of his life," preceded him in death on November 22, 2014. Their partnership was far more than companionship; it was a shared journey of mutual support and ambition. Glenn Lee Beall is survived by his nieces, Sandy Langdon of Toulon, Illinois, and Nancee (Steve) Griffith of Champaign, Illinois, and his nephew, Barry Warren (Tom Brougham) of Albany, California. He is also survived by his great-nieces and nephews: Julie (Robert) Healy of Champaign, Illinois; Jim (Michelle) Langdon of Toulon, Illinois; Jackie (Andy) Colgan of Toulon, Illinois; Scott (Suzanne) Cinnamon of Champaign, Illinois; Megan (Jon) Tocknell of South Elgin, Illinois; and Neal (Julie) Griffith of Champaign, Illinois, along with their families. In addition to his parents, Glenn was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy (Beall) Warren, and his infant sister, Phyllis Jean Beall. He was also preceded in death by his cherished wife and lifelong partner, Patsy Jo (Wheeler) Beall. Glenn’s wishes were to be laid to rest alongside Patsy following a simple graveside service. The service will be held at the Wyoming Cemetery in Wyoming, Illinois on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor Glenn’s strong belief in the importance of lifelong learning and educational advancement to the following scholarship funds: Stark County Education Foundation (stark100.com/foundation), attn: in honor of Glenn Beall, 300 West Van Buren, Wyoming, IL 61491; or Monmouth College (monmouthcollege.edu/give), attn: Patsy Jo Beall Scholarship in honor of Glenn Beall, Office of Development and College Relations, 700 East Broadway, Monmouth, IL 61462. Glenn Lee Beall's extraordinary life stands as a testament to innovation, education, and unwavering character. His legacy will continue to inspire generations in the plastics industry and serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one humble, dedicated individual can have on the world. He will be deeply missed, but his contributions and the values he embodied will forever resonate. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville, For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com.

Glenn L. Beall

August 13, 1933 - July 24, 2025