2nd Generation

Frank Beelman, Jr. & Kay Beelman

Frank Beelman, Jr., born in 1920, helped his father as soon as he was old enough to wield a shovel and reach the truck pedals. Frank began driving for his father in 1934 at the age of 14. In 1939 Frank, Jr. left with four trucks to work at various government projects in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Weldon Springs, MO and Gary, IN until he joined the Army in 1942 with the onset of World War II. Home on a weekend leave, he married his sweetheart, Kathryn Bozsa in 1943. 

Upon Frank’s return to Illinois in 1945 he bought a new truck and began hauling limestone, rock and coal. In 1950 when a new mine in St. Clair County opened Frank purchased ten tractors and trailers. While starting this fledging business Frank also owned and operated the local school bus route and farmed as well. Kay worked by her husband’s side as the company’s bookkeeper/office manager for the next fifty years.