Joan McCracken Beyer , age 79, passed away Friday, November 4, 2011 in St. John's Hospital. She was born to Othel Everett and Goldie Bell McCracken on November 9, 1931 in Nevada, Missouri. She moved to Springfield from Chicago, IL at the age of 12. She graduated from Springfield Senior High School in 1950. She married Walter (Tom) Thomas Beyer on November 25, 1950 in Verona, MO. Joan and Tom were married 60 plus years. She became an Episcopalian when she was married. She helped form and was a charter member of St. James Episcopal and later the Church of the Ascension. She was also a former member of St. John's Church. Joan was a member of the Renaissance Art Group of SMMA. Joan was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Vernon Gale McCracken; and sister, Betty Jean Gilmer. She is survived by her husband, Walter (Tom) Thomas Beyer; son, Frank Anthony Beyer IV (Linda) of Plano, TX; daughter, Tonya Ann Beyer (Allan) of Aylett, VA; brother, Ronald Dale McCracken (Kathy) of Springfield, MO; grandchild, Kendra Beyer; step-grandchildren, Chris and Nick Wilcox; and step-great-grandchild, Lainey Beyer. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Missouri Humane Society, 3161 W. Norton, Springfield, MO 65803.