John Caroll Beyke

John Caroll Beyke, 74, passed away Wednesday April 27th at home after an extended battle with cancer. John was born in Whitesville, KY. He proudly served in the US Air Force during Vietnam. John graduated from the University of Kentucky Engineering school and was a die-hard Wildcat fan. John’s career as a civil engineer lasted for more than 38 years. He served 4 years as the city engineer of Louisville before joining Louisville MSD in 1985 as the chief engineer. John spent 14 years at MSD where he helped develop the GIS department. After retiring from MSD, John spent 11 years as a water resources engineer at FMSM/Stantec and finished his career as a senior engineer at Jacobi, Toombs and Lanz. He was an active member and held office in multiple engineering associations including KSPE, ASCE, WEF, ASFPM, NAFSMA, USACE. Over John’s engineering career he was honored to share his love of engineering and was a mentor to many young engineers. John had a witty sense of humor and was a master joke teller, perfecting the art of the dad joke. Throughout his life John enjoyed all styles of music but particularly loved country. Prior to his illness he enjoyed playing golf with friends, building outdoor furniture for family and expanding his bourbon palate and collection. John was a dedicated Christian and attended Sojourn Church in J-town since 2017. His strong faith that God had a plan for him was a source of strength during his fight with cancer. God’s plan inspired him to witness through his blog of his cancer journey. www.Dadjokesandcancer.org John was called to share his experience and testify to God’s steadfast love and promise of eternal life for those who believe and trust in him. This was a great comfort to him in the last year of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, John H. and Anna Maria Beyke and four brothers, Dwight, Kenny, Dan and Maurice Beyke. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Kathie Williams Beyke; brother Mark Beyke (Mindy) and sister Linda Major; six children, Angela Mills (Bill), Jon Beyke (Tonya), Michelle Weikel (Rick), Stephanie Bernauer (Keith), Kim Desmond (Travis), and Brian Beyke (Kristen); 29 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends especially the USAF Veteran brotherhood of Vietnamese linguists. While on his journey through illness, John reflected often on his life and accomplishments and sought to reevaluate his priorities in his final months. He wished to express to those he loves the importance of finding balance in life by making the conscious decision to place family and faith first at all times. Donations in lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Ronald McDonald House or the Home of the Innocents. Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at Owen Funeral Home-Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road, with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday 1:00pm-8:00pm and Wednesday from 10:00am until time of service.

John Caroll Beyke

December 3, 1947 - April 27, 2022