Arthur Adam Beidler (“Art”), 87, of Reston, Virginia, formerly of Hedgesville, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at Reston Hospital Center, in Reston, Virginia, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Art was born on November 3, 1938, in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Jonathan Warren Beidler Jr. and Liselotte Beidler, and the fourth of seven children.
On July 10, 1965, in St. Mark Catholic Church, he married Susan Carol Smith, who preceded him in death.
Art was a painter, a poet, an avid gardener and plant whisperer, as well as a star gazer. He was a world traveler, a crossword puzzle aficionado, and an avid reader who owned an enormous collection of historical nonfiction. He loved listening to classical music, and when you entered his home, you were often met with the beautiful sound.
Art graduated from George Mason with a B.A. in Geography.
He proudly served his country throughout his career. He spent 24 years in Air Force intelligence, working as a photo interpreter and imagery analyst, providing intelligence from aerial reconnaissance photos and satellite imagery. During the Vietnam war, his unit was assigned to the CIA to support the then-classified A12 OXCART, the world’s fastest and highest flying reconnaissance aircraft.
Notably, Art’s unit found the missing USS Pueblo, which had been hijacked by the Government of North Korea.
During his 12 years supporting the Vietnam War effort, serving in Asian countries that included Thailand and Japan, Art was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal; the Vietnam Service Medal, with two Bronze Stars; the Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, with Valor; and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm—among many other citations.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Art was employed by defense contractor SAIC, where he continued his career in spy satellite imagery, working on contracts for the National Reconnaissance Office to support the Department of Defense and Intelligence Agencies. After retiring from SAIC, he was elected president of the Roadrunners, the alumni association for the A12 spy plane.
During retirement, Art was able to enjoy his lifelong passion for nature after he and Sue built a log cabin on a hilltop in West Virginia, surrounded by many acres of woods and a stunning view of the mountains. He spent almost 20 years there, happily puttering in his workshop, which he jokingly called “Area 51.” He enjoyed the friendship and community offered by the Tomahawk Presbyterian Church until he became too ill to attend.
He’s survived by his loving children, Adam Beidler (Jane), of Reston, Virginia, and Barbara Beidler Bohlinger, of Jenison, Michigan; four grandchildren, Kyle Bohlinger, Claire Bohlinger, Robyn Bohlinger, and Claire Collins; brother Robert Beidler (Jennifer) and sister Lisa Gathman; sister-in-law Joann D’Ambrosio (Jack) and brother-in-law Steve Smith (Vera); along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Smith Beidler; his siblings Jonathan Beidler III, Richard Beidler, Karen Chalfont, and Raymond Beidler; nephew Evertt Beidler; and son-in-law Patrick Bohlinger.
Family and Friends will be received at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth St., Emporium, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, July 8, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, where a video tribute will be shown.
A celebration of life service will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11 am, with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, pastor, officiating.
Military honors will be accorded by the Cameron County Memorial Detail at St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Mr. Beidler’s name to:
The American Cancer Society
Animal Education and Rescue Organization (AERO)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
