Funeral arrangements have been announced for former Recreation Commission Director Lee Beran.
Beran will be cremated with a rosary being held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Friday, April 5 at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, April 6 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart.
Beran passed away Wednesday at his home at the age of 87. He is remembered fondly by several colleagues including current Rec Commission Director Tom McEvoy who refers to Beran simply as a legend.
Before serving as the Rec Commission Director from 1961-1999 Beran played professional baseball signing a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1951 as a pitcher. Lee began his career in Georgia pitching for the Brunswick Pirates where he amassed a record of nine wins and five losses in his rookie season.
Beran was drafted into the Military in 1953 during the Korean War where he continued playing baseball in military leagues. He would continue his baseball career after the military until 1955 due to an arm injury.
While receiving therapy for his arm in Emporia, Beran enrolled at Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1959.
Family members request any donations be made to the Emporia Recreation Commission or Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
