Gil was born in 1928 in Sidell, Illinois, experiencing the hardships of farm life and poverty during the Depression. He attended a one-room schoolhouse, getting up early to do farm chores and then walking several miles to school. When the family's farmhouse burned, they spent 2 years living in an insulated boxcar. These harsh beginnings served as fodder for Gil's rich imagination. He loved nature, story, poetry and had a deep hunger for education. He also had an array of unique jobs to fund his education: Cooper, Fuller brush salesman, conductor on the L in Chicago, University TA, and more.

Gil graduated in 1950 from Wheaton College, where he met his future bride, Arlisle Felten. He earned 5 more advanced degrees, including a ThD at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a PhD at Northwestern University in Chicago. Gil became a Pastor (Hills Baptist Church in Indiana), a professor (at Northern), and then Curriculum Director and Executive Director at David C. Cook Publishing in Elgin, Illinois. He left Cook in 1967 to write full time and authored over 200 Christian books over the next 5 decades. His books have sold over 13 million copies in 100 countries. Gil was also a contributing editor to Moody Monthly, Senior Editor of Christianity Today, President of Scripture Press Ministries, a trustee of Wheaton College, and on countless boards and committees. His unique combination of creativity, imagination, intellect, wisdom, practical leadership, patience, and love of people has made him a respected leader.

But the legacy his 53 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will cherish for generations to come was his gift of his love of family. Decades of weekly family dinners at Gil and Arlie's home (lovingly named "Lothlorien"), an annual all-family weekend at Turkey Run State Park (57 consecutive years so far), and special times at the family cabin in the Adirondacks were just a few of the ways he made time to be "with us and for us" as he would say. And together Gil and Arlie planted the seeds of the love of family togetherness. Wherever we were, we could expect them to welcome us with joy, big hugs, lots of questions about how we were, and maybe a few corny Dad jokes and puns as well. We could also expect lots of fun, games, stories, adventures, and rich family traditions for every season.

Gil SAVORED adventures, traveling with his precious "bride" Arlie to every state in the US and to over 90 countries around the world, and taking each of his grandchildren on a memorable international trip. He was continually awed by every aspect of creation, large or small. As one grandchild said:"He traveled the world to be challenged by it and share it with others, and yet would take pictures of every mushroom from the cabin door to the top of the driveway". He has been the guest of Beduoin nomads in their tents, world leaders in their palaces, and even Billy Graham as he drove through England during his crusades there. If you met Gil, you weren't a stranger for long, and you could always expect a warm smile, a twinkle in his eye, lots of questions, and a good story.

Everything Gil did, he not only did well, but above and beyond. Though productive, prolific, and always in the middle of multiple big projects, he would always be available to any child or grandchild who came to him, putting aside his work to listen or take a walk or look at interesting rocks in his collection. When hiking at Turkey Run, his motto was "We go at the pace of the littlest lamb". He was truly and completely present with whoever was with him, always looking out for others' needs. He winsomely modeled Christ's shepherding heart, and was a master steward of all that was put in his care. He faithfully prayed for his family - and extended family- daily together with Arlie, even continuing after her passing in 2022.

Gil was unfailingly generous, and every family member has stories of a thoughtful gift, or a bill slipped into their hand just when it was needed, or the joy on his face when he would surprise us at Christmas with something special. He also gave of his talents, time and resources to countless people, his church, and many charitable organizations.

Gil is survived by his children Kathy (Brad) Cathey, Ron (Becki) Beers, Jan (Kevin) Engel, Cindy (Rob) Grondahl, Grandchildren Sarah (James) Gordon, Amy (Chris) Mason, Jon (Jennie) Cathey, Jason Beers, Katy (Stetson) Butler, Kevin (Leslie) Cathey, Allison (Kyle) Berthel, Emily (Trevor) Terrell, Ryan Grondahl, Luke (Elise) Engel, Jackie (Nitish) Durbha, and 23 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Arlisle Felten Beers, and his son, Douglas Beers.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 20 at 10:00am at Chapelstreet Church in Geneva, Illinois, with visitation at 9:30am. The burial will be private.

Memorials gifts may be sent to the Doug Beers Scholarship Fund, Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187 or to Deerfoot Lodge Christian Boys Camp Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 228, Speculator, NY 12164