SFC Adolf Eddie Beller (Ed), age 77, of Daytona Beach, Florida passed away at his home on Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Ed was born in Offenbach, Germany on 18 November 1938 to Hermann and Elsa (Schuler) Beller. He resided in Offenbach until the age of 19, when he declared his intention to reside in the United States of America at the Department of Justice in Cleveland, Ohio.
Upon declaring his residency, Ed lived with his uncle in Cleveland, OH and worked as a machinist. After a short time, he realized that he wanted to see the world and therefore, joined the United States Marine Corps with the rank of Private (E-1). He served as an Infantry Weapons Armorer. During his 4-year enlistment in the Marines, Ed deployed to Vietnam and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifleman awards. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps 18 March, 1962. Ed became a United States citizen on 30 August, 1962.
After a short break in the military, Ed joined the United States Army, where he served until his retirement after 26 years and 11 months of combined service to our country. During his service in the Army, Ed fought two tours in Vietnam War. He was a member of the elite 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, and earned the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during combat. His awards also include the Good Conduct Medal (fifth award); National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 campaign stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal; Expert Badge with M-1 Rifle; Expert Badge with Rifle Bar; Combat Infantry Badge; Parachutist Badge; Presidents Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd Award) and Overseas Service Bar (6 award). Ed loved the military and said it was "The best job he ever had".
After retirement from the Army, Ed earned his associates degree in Electronic Engineering and went to work for Nortel Networks in Raleigh, North Carolina. After 17 years with Nortel, Ed retired and moved to Daytona Beach, where he traveled the world, visited his homeland annually and became an avid bowler. Local journalist, Dick Evans (2005), wrote an article on Ed titled, "A stroke of perfection" where he detailed Ed's love for the sport by bowling multiple 300 games. He also enjoyed spending time with family, watching movies and playing chess.
Ed Beller is survived by his brother, Herbert and his wife Svea (Weis) Beller - and two daughters, Paula Hunsinger and her husband Dan; and Ann Turner and her husband Ralph. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Britney, Amanda, Megan, Dayna, Lorenz and Trevaun - and four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Lena and Kylinn.
Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday, December 11th 2015 at 11:00 am at Lohman Funeral Home; 1423 Bellevue Avenue, Daytona Beach, Florida. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Military honors will be bestowed upon the family members during the time of service. Interment will take place at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Daytona.