Paul Beauchamp

Paul Beauchamp, 90, Topeka, passed away on August 21, 2010. He was born June 27th, 1920, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to George and Flora Mae Beauchamp. George was a printer who introduced lithography to the Midwest.
After two years at Missouri Western College, where he was in the ROTC, he attended the Kansas City Art Institute. It was there he met another artist, Jeanne Elizabeth Mack of Topeka. Together they shared the horror of Pearl Harbor and Paul enlisted in the Navy. His ROTC training allowed him to enter as a commissioned officer. He had a brilliant career as a naval aviator and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and skill. Jeanne and Paul were married in Pensacola, Florida, July 23rd, 1942. While in the Navy they had their daughter, Brooke Beauchamp, and their son, Paul Richard Beauchamp Jr.
When the war ended, Paul returned to Topeka to raise his family as sales manager for the Mosby Mack Ford dealership. In 1958 he opened his own Ford agency in Lawrence, Kansas. Five years later he decided to follow his first love, which was art. He opened a small frame shop and gallery in Topeka which flourished and was eventually relocated to The Westboro Mart — its present location.
Paul loved the theatre and for many years he designed the sets for the major productions at the Topeka Civic Theatre. He produced miniature working sets then worked tirelessly to help build the outstanding sets. For 25 years Paul was on the Board of Directors of the Mulvane Art “Arts Council” at Washburn University, bringing great art to Topeka. Paul had a beautiful voice and loved music, particularly jazz and classical. He loved to attend the Topeka Jazz Workshop.
After several years of illness, Jeanne died June 8, 2007. Paul and Jeanne had a beautiful marriage of 65 years.
Paul is survived by his daughter, Brooke Beau-champ, Kansas City, and his son Richard Beau-champ, Scottsdale, Arizona. Paul’s grandchildren are Megan Rizer, Amii Castle, Paul Beauchamp III and Elizabeth Van Nice. His great-grandchildren are Jessica Berry, Brandi Castle, Sabrina Castle, Kansas City; and Sam and Jack Beauchamp, Princeton, New Jersey, and George, Claire and Margot Van Nice, Evanston, Illinois.
Paul’s life will be celebrated Saturday, August 28th, at Beauchamp’s Gallery, located at 3113 Huntoon in Topeka. The Celebration of Life is an open house from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.