Judge Thomas Mark Beetham

On October 9, 2021, Judge T. Mark Beetham passed away at Trinity Hospital West in Steubenville, Ohio, with his beloved wife, Vickie, at his side.  The cause of death was a breakthrough case of COVID-19.  Mark was born on May 19, 1951 in Columbus, Ohio.  He graduated from Cadiz High School in 1969 and from The Ohio State University with a B.S., cum laude in 1972.  He then received his Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School in 1975.  After law school, he returned to Cadiz, Ohio to practice law with his father Thomas D. Beetham.

Mark began his law career with his father, until his passing in 1998.  During his law career, Mark served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Harrison County from 1975-1981; Solicitor of the Village of Jewett, Ohio from 1985-1987; Solicitor of the Village of New Athens, Ohio from 1985-1988; Solicitor of the Village of Freeport 1985-1992; Solicitor of the Village of Cadiz from 1985-1982; County Court Judge of Harrison County, Ohio appointed by Governor George Voinovich in 1992 and by Governor Robert Taft in 2003.  He was elected in 2004 and reelected in 2006, 2012, and 2018.  Mark was the longest serving County Court Judge in the history of Harrison County.

Being a lawyer and a judge was his highest calling.  One of his greatest joys and delight was interacting with his staff and the countless attorneys appearing before him or across the aisle in private practice.  He remembered all of them, and had so many stories.

Mark was most proud of his wife Vickie Kay (Michelli) Beetham, his children Gwendolyn Anne Beetham, Thomas Owen Beetham, and Morgan de Beetham, and his grandchildren, Phoebe Olivia Beetham, Adeline Depew Beetham, and Carter Anna Beetham.

Mark is survived by the love of his life and wife Vickie.  Also surviving are his three children, Dr. Gwendolyn Anne Beetham, Thomas Owen Beetham (Dr. Porsche Beetham), Morgan de Beetham (Peter Droste); three grandchildren, Phoebe Olivia Beetham, Adeline Depew Beetham, and Carter Anna Beetham.  Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas D. Beetham and Anna (Nelms) Beetham, and his brother Rupert Nelms Beetham.

Friends may call Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 12-3 p.m. at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home, 172 S. Main St., Cadiz, Ohio.  Due to the circumstances of Mark’s death, the family requests that all in attendance be vaccinated and masked.  A private committal of ashes will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Cadiz Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Jon Kirkland, 413 Oakwood Drive, Cadiz, OH 43907.

Online condolences may be made at www.clark-kirkland-barr.com.