SPRINGFIELD — Rev. Kenneth Lyle Beams, 70, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at his home. Ken was born Nov. 27, 1950, in White Hall, the son of Stanley and Elsie L. Shephardson Beams. He married Lillian T. Torres in Hillview on May 17, 1975 and were married 32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, three uncles and four aunts. Ken graduated from North Green High School in 1969 and from Lael College and Graduate School in Saint Ann, Missouri, with two master's degrees in social services, guidance and counseling. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Ken was of the Southern Baptist faith and pastored at Hopewell Baptist Church in Pana and Northside Baptist Church in Dixon. He later worked for the Mental Health Center of Central Illinois in Springfield and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, retiring in 2012 after 16 years of service. He is survived by Lillian, of Springfield; one son, Benjamin S. (Lisa McCauley) Beams, of Tucson, Arizona; one daughter, Kristy R. Beams, of St. Louis; two brothers, Ronald L. (wife, Ruthie) Beams of Interlachen, Florida, and Gareth L. (wife, Polly) Beams of Galesburg; two sisters, Nancy K. Bryant of Riverton and Cindy G. (husband, Andy) Holloway of Jacksonville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 29, 2021, at Ellinger-Kunz and Park Funeral Home, 530 N. Fifth St. in Springfield, with Brother Bill Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military services by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hillview Baptist Church, Smith Street, Hillview, IL 62050. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Rev. Ken Beams. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.