Eugene Hugh Beaumont (February 16, 1909 – May 14, 1982) was an American actor, television director, and a Methodist minister. He was born in Lawrence, Kansas. He played Ward Cleaver on the sitcom television series "Leave It to Beaver" (1957–1963). He directed many of the show's episodes. In his retirement years, he became a Christmas tree farmer. He died of a heart attack in Munich, Germany while visiting his son.