Dr. V. Gilbert Beers (1928-2024) born into poverty in Sidell, Illinois, he graduated from Wheaton College in 1950 and later earned advanced degrees from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and Northwestern University. From his life experiences as a pastor, professor, and curriculum director at David C Cook Publishing, he developed biblical reference books for more than 50 years. He authored more than 160 books (selling more than 13 million copies in 100 countries), 125 of which are for children. Gil and his wife, Arlie, visited every state in the U.S. and 90 countries around the world from their home base in Elgin, Illinois.

He was a beloved family man and a respected leader who had a total of 53 children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.