Funeral arrangements for Gerald Beasley, 85, were held February 21 at 10 a.m. at Oak Hill Baptist Church with the Reverends Matthew Beasley and Mike Henderson officiating. Burial followed in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation began February 20, at 5 p.m. at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many.
He was the oldest child of Gerald B. and Claude Armour Beasley, born May 26, 1931. He passed away February 18, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Lou Beasley Peace; brother, Kenneth Zane Beasley; wife, Lanell Carter Beasley; son, Richard Alan Beasley and daughter, Kimberly Lanell Beasley Bedrich.
He and Lanell married August 15, 1948. They were together until her death November 17, 2002. They had five children, Gerald Carter and wife, Shawn, of Many; Richard Alan; William Milton and wife, Charlotte, of Magnolia, Texas; Stephen Bruce and wife, Barrett of Many and Kimberly Lanell who was married to Ronnie Bedrich. They had five grandchildren, David Beasley and family, Shane Beasley and family, Luke Beasley and family, Jason Beasley and family and Matthew Beasley and family, and a host of great and great-great grandchildren. They also had three step-grandchildren, Katie Jeane Dew and family, and Coty Jeane and Kerry Jeane. He is further survived by ten very special nieces and nephews.
“Buddy,” as everyone knew him, was raised in the building business and was accomplished in all facets of it. At different times he worked as a carpenter, brick mason, electrician and plumber, and welder. He started at a fairly young age working in the oilfield in West Texas. This began a career that took him and Lanell around the world several times. He ran drilling companies, and had his own drilling and oil exploration company. His last venture before retiring was a shipyard in Orange, Texas, in which he was a partner. He sold his interest in the shipyard when Lanell fell ill and came home to take care of her.
Buddy was inducted into the Sabine Parish Hall of Fame, an honor of which he was very proud. He took great pride in being a citizen of Sabine Parish, and was a life-long member of Oak Hill Baptist Church. The church was the major component in his life and he endeavored to set a positive Christian example for others.
He took great pride in his children and their accomplishments. He liked nothing better than working with his sons and grandsons on his or their various projects. He was a renowned cook and a generous host. He liked nothing better than having friends and family around him. He took a great interest in the Kisatchie community, where the Beasley family settled in the early 1800s. He enjoyed interacting with relatives and acquaintances in the community.
He was a great father, and a good friend to many people. He will be sorely missed.
Pallbearers were Luke Beasley, Shane Beasley, Jacob Beasley, Jonah Beasley, Alan Beasley, and Jason Beasley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital. This was a charity that Buddy supported.