"Skooter" Howard F. Beals, 69, of Lake Station passed away peacefully in his home Thursday, May 30, 2024.  He was born June 1, 1954, in Sebree, Kentucky to the late Henry Beals and Katherine Hoseapple.

Skooter moved to the Northwest Indiana area when he was a teenager and graduated from Portage High School.  He joined the Army and when he returned from duty went to work at Bethlehem Steel as a fabricating welder and retired from there just 3 years ago after 48 years.  In 1986 he married his love, Denise, and together they raised 3 children.  Skooter enjoyed building motorcycles and cars.  He used to race his '69 Camaro and '67 Chevelle back in the day; and one of his bikes was featured in Thunder Roads magazine.  Skooter loved life and lived it to the fullest surrounded with friends and family.  He will be missed greatly.

Skooter is survived by his children, Jay (Lisa) Lash, and Darla Jarosak; grandchildren, Danny, Tyler, Dor, Mat, Andrew, Joey, and Wyatt; great grandchildren, McKenna, Lillana, Sarah, Amarah, Ryker, Olivia, and Milo; brother, Donnie (Margaret) Whitmer; his beloved German Shepherd, Simba; and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Denise, Skooter was proceeded in death by his daughters, Dawn Lash and Angela Beals.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 4 from 2:00pm – 7:00pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, IN 46368, with service to follow at 7:00pm.  To leave fond memories or condolences please visit www.reesfuneralhomes.com.