Robert Earl "Bob" Beaton, 62, of Arcadia, Fla., and formerly of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Monday, Aug. 6, 2007.

He was born Jan. 14, 1945, in Flint, Mich., to Eurah and Jewell (Covington) Beaton.

Bob worked for the Buick Motor Division, retiring after 30 years of service, and moved to Punta Gorda in 1992. Bob had a great passion for Buick cars, owning many classic Buicks over the years. He was instrumental in starting the Gulf Coast Buick Club of America, a local charter of the Buick Club of America (BCA). He also participated in a driving club known as the Buick Driving Enthusiasts (BDE), a national club. Bob loved driving his old Buicks for people to see and enjoy. He worked with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) for the past two years, helping at DUI checkpoints to deliver pizza and sodas to the law enforcement officers. Bob was a member of Tri-City Baptist Church in Port Charlotte. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Bob is survived by his loving family, including his wife of 28 years, Marie Beaton; children, Melanie (Jimmy) Petriella, Christopher (Tracy) Beaton and Tina Beaton; sisters, Joann (Kenneth) Zeman and Joyce Gatica; and six grandchildren, Kalyn, Nicky and Joey Petriella, and Timothy, Emily and Connor Beaton.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the funeral service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at Tri-City Baptist Church, 24058 Heritage Place, Port Charlotte, with the Rev. Jay Sheppard, pastor, officiating.

Burial will be Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at Flint Memorial Park in Mount Morris, Mich.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Bob's memory be made to MADD, 2901 West Busch Blvd., #309, Tampa, FL 33618; or online at www.madd.org

Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Punta Gorda.