Dr. Henry Monroe "Hank" Beachell

Dr. Henry Monroe "Hank" Beachell, 100, Pearland, Texas, went to be with the Lord Wednesday (12/13/06). Henry Monroe Beachell, known to his friends as "Hank," was born in Waverly (9/21/1906), to William Albert and Alice Leona Degler Beachell. He was the second of seven children, two boys and five girls. Henry Monroe Beachell, co-recipient of the 1996 World Food Prize, has been called "one of the most important individuals in rice improvement in the world." Beachell's pioneering research put him at the forefront of the Green Revolution, which led to dramatic increases in rice production over the last three decades.

He graduated from the University of Nebraska in February 1930, and obtained a master's degree from Kansas State University in 1934. In 1972, Hank was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Nebraska. While attending Kansas State, Hank studied under Dr. John H. Parker. It was Dr. Parker who impressed upon Hank that a plant breeder's existence depended upon his ability to develop improved varieties that met the needs of the farmer, the miller and the ultimate consumer; therefore, the breeder must be cognizant of all phases of production, processing, consumption and market demands.

In March 1931, Hank became Texas' first rice breeder at what is now called the USDA-ARS Agricultural Research and Extension Center (part of the Texas A&M University System) in Beaumont, Texas. While there, he created and helped introduce nine rice varieties which eventually accounted for more than 90 percent of U.S. long-grain rice production. During this time he also took part in research as well as teaching tours of rice production areas in India, Central America and South America.

After retiring from the Beaumont station in 1963, he accepted a position at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. That same year, while going through IRRI's experimental plots seeking a sturdy rice plant that would respond well to fertilizer and mature early, he helped select the rice that eventually became the IR8 rice variety. After further development, IR8 was released in 1966 and set yield records ranging from six to eight tons of grain per hectare on experimental fields in several Asian countries, more than doubling previous yields.

For two decades Hank traveled to promote IR8 and other varieties resulting from the institute's work. He also continued research to make improvements to the variety, including making it more resistant to pests, adapting it to various growing conditions and meeting cooking and taste criteria. In 1982, he returned to the U.S. and became a consultant to RiceTec, Inc.

In addition to his rice breeding achievements, Hank Beachell has been a dedicated and enthusiastic mentor to scores of young research scientists who have become leaders of rice breeding programs significantly increasing the quantity and quality of this vital food crop. The impact of his passing will be felt around the world.

He was recently honored with a 100th birthday celebration that was attended by over 150 family members, friends and coworkers. The event included greetings from the president of the U.S., the prince of Liechtenstein, the governors of Texas and Nebraska, the mayor of Pearland and numerous other world renowned guests. His passing will be felt worldwide by his many friends and fellow scientists.

Survivors: sister, Katheryn Brown; sister-in-law, Wanda Beachell; grandchildren, Alby, Terrell, Caroline, Lizzie; numerous nieces, nephews; his loving caregivers; a host of other family and friends. Preceded in death by: Edna Mary Payne Beachell, his wife of 21 years; Ena Everton Beachell, his wife of 46 years; parents, William Albert and Alice Leona Degler Beachell; sisters, Eva, Hazel, Nellie, Alice; brother, William.

Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Alvin, Texas. The Rev. Jim Flagg. South Park Cemetery, Pearland. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Monday, Oak Park Funeral Home, Alvin. Pallbearers: Joe Everton, Alby Singleton, Gene Sarreal, Vince Librojo, Jerry Locke, Jacko Garrett, Richard Pittman, Billy Jordan. Honorary pallbearers: James Stroike, Melissa Hinga, Deborah Locke, Marie Hodges, Carol Sproull, Theresa Gould, Clodis Cox, Ben Woodhead, Ben Jackson, Ed Runge, Norman Borlaug, Ronnie Coffman, Brian Hamilton, Gene Hookstra, Robert Miller, Felipe Lopez and his many friends and associates at RiceTec, Inc. Donations, in lieu of flowers, to the church.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff that have comforted and cared for Hank: Nilda Morales, Gracie De La Rosa, Linda Lynch, Shelly Richard and the staff of Comfort Keepers and Grace Hospice.