Charles Leon Beasley

My dad, Ray Petersen, played in Beasley's Big Band for a number of years and loved Chuck and all the other fine musicians. He passed away in 2003 and I was so pleased that Chuck came to the funeral and we had a lovely chat. What a joy filled man! My very belated condolences to the family and other loved ones. He was very special.

Dear Children of Charles Beasley, I have a story I want to share with you. A number of years ago I read a Seniors Monthly Newsletter that advertised a musical contest at the Mall of America. Charley was one of the judges and I won 2nd place and $150 with a "clown-like" clarinet patriotic presentation. I maintained contact with him and made an effort for the first and last time to see him perform at the caves near the
capitol. It was a joy to talk with him again, knowing I would not see him again. If you would like my extended story please contact me. Charley made a precious difference in my life. Sara Aeikens Albert Lea MN (Facebook)

Chuck was a true gentleman with utmost class and manners. His knowledge and talent amazed me. Often, I wish I'd approached him some years ago for his opinion and advice...with his life experience and wisdom, he was certainly up to the task, and would have assisted greatly, I am sure. Rest in peace. You brought music and light to everyone whose path you crossed.
A grateful friend

I've been playing in Beasley's Big Band from the time Chuck formed the band in 1991. I played with him in other groups for a few years before that. So, for the past 22 years, we've been making music together about once a week. As a result, I've learned a great deal about big band music and I've had the opportunity to get to know a real gentleman. It's not the same without him.

I was lucky enough to have been able to hear Beasley's Big Band at O'Gara's and The Caves. He seemed like someone you would always want to know and connect with. Thank you for the passion and the music!

I met Charles near the end of his wonderful life. He was quite tired,
but so gracious! Just a super human being. I wish I could have known
him better. My condolences to all his friends and family.

Say hello to Count Basie for us up there Chuck. The world has lost a great person but we know your band will keep cruisin'.

I will miss my Friday night smooches with my boyfriend. You will always be in my heart and memories in my mind. You are such a kind hearted loving man along with so many other qualities that will be missed! I will be listening for your beautiful music from above. One can not ask for a better angel than you! Love you Charlie!!!

Chuck was an amazing musician and an even more amazing man. I really enjoyed the conversations we would have during his "breaks" at O'Gara's when Beasley's Big Band would play. He was always kind and inspiring - someone that touches your soul if only in a moments time, but that you can never forget. My condolences to his family and friends.
To Charles - play on - heaven will be a better place now that you are in it's gates. God Bless!

Flyin' Home, Chuck, Flyin' Home. Thank you for the music. God bless you and your family.

I will miss his music and his smile more than I can say. Good set, Charlie!

I enjoyed playing music with Charlie in the Minneapolis Police Band many years ago. He was always a great musician, and had a good shoulder for his friends. My sympathy to his family and friends.

Chuck was a Wonderful father.I am so grateful for our healthy daughter.You will be missed.He watched the Vikings game everytime he could.He loved Pbs channel.

I never thought of soulmates being anything more then what cupid conjured up.
I met Charlie about 7 yrs ago when he walked into Denny's and my husband and I and another friend were there. He stopped to chat with us and I could tell right then and there that he was somebody that I really wanted to know. After a few times of seeing him in Denny's and him coming to greet us, we started inviting him to sit and dine with us. What a wonderful man and I needed to know more about him.
We started having dinner with him every Friday night from then on and could he fill you up with history of his life, I was always amazed at what he has seen and done in his lifetime.
Charlie was a very kind, gentle soul and also very humble.
As time grew on he and I would do more together and after numerous times of getting his car stolen he just gave up driving so I would pick him up to run errands and he would always want to stop and have lunch or dinner. There is when we would talk endlessly and he always had the ablility to anchor me. I soon realized that he was one of the few people that I felt comfortable sharing or venting whatever was on my mind. I guess in a sense you could say he was my soulmate.
I remember a couple of months ago shortly after he found out he did not have long he asked me if I was getting tired and bored of picking him up, the answer was NO absolutely not! I never ever tired of Charlie.
Charlie knew he was slipping away fast and he did have asperations of getting just a few more things done before leaving this earth. And you almost got it done Charlie.
I knew on Friday Feb 19th when I saw him, that I was saying my last goodbye to him. I will alway embrace every minute he graced my life. I will miss you immensely Charlie but I know when I look up to the heavens that you will be looking down at me with that wonderful smile of yours and everything will be all right. I know you are happy.
My thoughts and prayers out to the family that he cherished so much and Arnedia and Tracy please keep in touch.

I know that there have been sayings about people finding their soulmates and I guess I always thought of that as a cupid thing. I realize that,that is not the case. I met Charlie approximately 7 yrs ago at a restaurant. I was very intrigued by his mannerism and the gracious, humbleness that he had. After seeing him a couple times after that we invited him to dine with us which spun off into a weekly ritual. Later I started helping Charlie with things that were a little cumbersome for him and after numerous times of thugs stealing his car I would come pick him up and do errands and then he would always want to stop and have some dinner or lunch. That is where he and I would talk endlessly and I would feel very anchored by his words. He was an extremely intelligent person and he always had the right words for me especially if it felt like I was spinning. I always knew I could go to him to vent or share whatever craziness was going on with me and that he would help me anchor again even if he did not know he was doing that.
I remember a couple of months ago when I picked him up for our Friday nite dinner he asked me "Mary are you getting bored with this", my answer was NO I never tire of spending time with you.
On the 19th of Feb you could not go to dinner but I stopped by your house anyway, and that was the last time I saw your wonderful face and had to say my final goodbye to you because you were going to KY to be with your family whom you cherished. I miss you very much Charlie and I will always embrace the seven-some years I had with you. I can only look up to the heavens and know that you are looking down at all of us with that great smile of yours.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and I hope to stay in touch, especially with Arnedia and Tracy who I have gotten close to over the last couple of years. Bless you all

I worked with Charlie the first year he started with MMCD. He was a wonderful fun loving man. He always talked kindly of everyone and lovingly of his family. His wonderful smile will be missed by all.