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BORN
1946
DIED
2021
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Stephen Beardsley Obituary
February 27th, 1946 - March 2nd, 2021
A fixture of New Albany's and the larger region's legal and historical world, Stephen J. Beardsley, Esq. passed on to a higher bar peacefully on March 2, 2021. He had just celebrated his 75th birthday the prior weekend with family as he valiantly and gracefully navigated the final stages of a long, private bout with cancer. He was never without his trademark cigar, dapper hat and tie, vintage Jaguar, and old school fountain ink pen, having found them to be his lifelong reliable friends and accoutrements.
Stephen was born in Waterbury and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut, and attended the Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut before discovering the charm of Southern Indiana during his years at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana (Class of 1968). From there, Stephen attended Boston University Law School (Class of 1971) in Massachusetts to obtain the law degree that allowed him to become a master of the courtroom in Floyd and the surrounding counties where he practiced for many decades.
Stephen truly left his mark on New Albany as one of the earliest preservationists of old buildings and neighborhoods. He carefully restored his residences on Main Street - the Lapping Home and later the Depauw-Barth House, his "Hannegan Hall" office and residence at the corner of Pearl and Market Streets, and numerous buildings that with his attention became residences for businesses and residents around the downtown area. He was a tireless believer in the beauty of old architecture, and can be given credit for providing downtown New Albany with the head start that has allowed the city to now blossom into its current vibrant renaissance.
Stephen is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca, and the large family that brought him such pride, his children Elisabeth, Elisha, Hannegan, Scarlett, Angela and Andrea, and later, a teeming host of grandchildren who loved him dearly as "Pop:" Beardsley, Buerk, Brooks, Cooper, Gleason, Maverick, Noah, Monroe, Willow, Lochland, Harlow, and Clara.
Visitation will take place at E.M. Coots' Sons Funeral Home, 120 W. Maple St. in Jeffersonville, on Friday, March 5th between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m., and a Memorial Service will be held there on Saturday, March 6th, at 10:00 a.m. Visitors are limited to 50 at a time and masks must be worn and social distancing observed at all times. A memorial service will be held there on Saturday, March 6th, at 10:00 a.m. (with a maximum of 50 in attendance).
Stephen will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him. Join us in celebrating his exceptional life.
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrew 13:16
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Beardsley
Sponsored by The Courier-Journal.
Pejettee Alexander
February 25, 2022
What a awesome Lawyer he was. Stephen u r truly missed. The best Lawyer in N.A. RIP-Never 4Gotten
Mike Clark
July 15, 2021
Also a pledge brother. I had the high honor of driving his XKE roadsters. He always had a smile as I recall. RIP Brother.
Steve Seibert
June 2, 2021
Steve and I pledged Phi Gamma Delta together way back when at Hanover College. We had great fun, great times together, and great brotherhood. Perge!
Roxa Dee Corn
March 28, 2021
I was blessed to know Stephen Beardsley for many many years. Stephen was a very special man and he will certainly be missed. God bless his family and all who lived him. He always made me smile.
Melissa Ankrom (now Hobbs)
March 8, 2021
I have SO MANY fond memories of Stephen. He was my very first boss and quickly become like a second father figure to me. I had the pleasure of working for him during my last year or so of high school and throughout my college career. I could not have asked for a better, more understanding mentor turned friend. The world has lost a light, for sure. My prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. 'Til we meet again, Stephen, rest in peace.
Chuck & Nancy Williams
March 7, 2021
May this late running Angle RIP! Without him Lord only knows what kind of life our amazing daughter would have now. He was one of the few that would help fight for a father's right. THANK YOU! Prayers are being lifted for those loved ones left behind.
Shawn C. Gibson
March 7, 2021
My prayers go out to your family and friends. Mr. Beardsley you were my attorney on several cases and you always fought hard for me and always made me feel better about my situation. You will be greatly missed.
Cindy M Martin
March 6, 2021
My sympathy to all the family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him until we see him again in heaven.
Vonda Woods
March 6, 2021
Your compassion and kindness will be missed as much as will you be. RIP. Bless the Beardsley family
Vonda Lee Woods
March 6, 2021
To the Beardsley family; so sorry for your loss of Stephen. He was everyone's attorney or so it seems...He handled divorces for several of my daughters & sisters and other cases for others....he's was always kind considerate polite and helped financially if need be. One of a kind. Hannagen and Eli taught two of my grandsons I was rasing and I found the same compassion he had through both of them. May God bless you all and RIP Stephen. God bless your soul.
Susan Dunlap
March 6, 2021
I was a newspaper staffer in the '80s at The Corydon Democrat, and it was in covering a trial that I first saw Stephen Beardsley. I had never observed such a vibrant personality, seemingly having stepped out of a Harper Lee novel. I wasn't the only one who noticed. The newspaper's editor at the time, Randy West, did a human interest story a rare exception, given that Stephen was not a Harrison County resident. Stephen Beardsley was a gift to our region.
Anda Prather & family
March 5, 2021
To the Beardsley family please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of Stephen. I have fond memories of a wedding held at your home in 1995. Stephen was a fine man and he will be missed. God Bless the family during this time of grief.
Natalie Reichenbach
March 5, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time Eli. May you find he is at peace comforting.
Matt Patus
March 5, 2021
Thank you Mr. Beardsley for all that you did for me. Through my mistakes as a youngster, you provided me with legal assistance but most importantly gave me great advice and insight. I was always nervous visiting your office but always left feeling better about my situation and better off as a person due to your guidance.
RIP, and if I ever need any legal assistance on the other side (God I hope we don't), I'll look you up...if nothing else but for a good story over a cigar.
Betty and Mike Cozart
March 5, 2021
Stephen you will forever be missed and loved by our family our thoughts and prayers go out to your family we ask that the almighty God wraps his arms around each and everyone of them.May you Rest in Heaven our Dear Friend
Roberta Dooley
March 5, 2021
What a legacy he left behind, prayers to his family and close friends.
Steve Imhoff
March 5, 2021
My friend, Stephen Johnson Beardsley passed away just three days ago. We practiced law together, 1976 -1978 in the Kentucky Home Life building. Steve was then elected Floyd County Prosecutor in 1978 and served one term. He then went back to his calling, private practice. I first met Steve in 1974 when he left practice with the legal Aid Society of Louisville for private practice and I took his place at legal Aid. When we first met in his office for the transition, I heard some great stories. Was with him in his office that day with a lady client, they both took up together to singing a couple of old spiritual songs. He knew the words by heart.
When we practiced law together, he had a trial of winning perhaps one of the first cases in Kentucky on who gets the dog in a divorce case. Of course, he won the case for his client. Not long after he tried a not so regular child custody case for the father of a little girl. Steve won the case for the father. Then, the psychology professor friend of the ex-wife decided to write a Play about the legal battle and included Steve as the so-called evil lawyer. The Play lasted just a very short time in Louisville, off Broadway - it did not play in Peoria. I remember the beautiful office desk he purchased which I think was shipped in from Europe , made of Carpathian wood which he then took over to New Albany for his new office. A beautiful desk.
Steve was a great and successful attorney. Something to see in the court on room on both sides of the river. I hated to see him pick up and do his thing across the river but for him it was the right thing to do. Steve loved his family and he loved New Albany for sure. For almost 50 years we greeted each other as follows : hello Stephen J. --- hello Stephen P. This note is from Stephen P. Imhoff
Jackie Johnson
March 5, 2021
From the 1st time I met you in 2010...I took an instant liking to you.I knew you were different but my cup.of tea for an attorney.So..I will never forget you saying to me that I had I asked you how much you were gonna charge me for my sons case All other attorneys wanted 15,000 ,you asked me how much is this case worth...we paused then I said look I'm not well off financially but I would pay you & then you said how does
1,500 sound I was shocked...I then asked you to stand up & I told you that I was looking for an attorney that would pound his fist on the podemium & I said you are that man & that you would fight for my son as though he was your son & you did just that.6ou found out the judge had violated a law and a State Police officer had lied under oath 3 times, you were not afraid to go against the establishment with your threats of taking my son's case to the Indiana Supreme Court.
You were 1st to state the case & it didn't go no further all charges dismissed within 15 minutes...As an attorney & friend I loved your wit & professionalism...you will always be remembered as an attorney who cared for the less fortunate...Thank you & Rest In Peace...Fly High over the mountains my friend, your legacies will live on forever.
Tammy Hughes
March 4, 2021
I´m so sorry to hear of his passing. I was fortunate enough to be a friend to his daughter when we were kids, and knowing them exposed me to so much of the world I would not have experienced otherwise. I´m so thankful to have known him. Thank you, Mr. Beardsley, for treating me like one of your own. Much love to the family.
Michael C. Ladd
March 4, 2021
I was truly saddened to learn of Stephen's passing. He was a wonderful friend and support during my time in New Albany. I extend my sincere sympathies and condolences to the Beardsley family for their loss. The community is the lesser for losing him and his like will not be seen in that town for a long time to come.
Jim Patus
March 4, 2021
A friend and a gentleman.
Wendy Stocks
March 4, 2021
Beardsley you were such a down to earth intelligent man. Who always gave me hope.....you will be missed
Joan Biesel Brown
March 4, 2021
Becky so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers . Love Joanie
Norval Robertson
March 4, 2021
One of my dearest friends you've only got a few in life that you can count on Stephen was always there love him and miss him with all my heart
Page Dunn
March 4, 2021
Dear Beardsleys all, I was so saddened to learn of Stephen's death. My thoughts are with all of you. Page Dunn, Katharine, and Charlie.
Gloria Howie
March 3, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mr. Beardsley was a very kind and generous man. He will be remembered always.
Peedy
March 3, 2021
RPIHP STEPHEN,NEW ALBANY HAVE LOSTED THE BEST LAWYER THERE EVER WAS. A VERY BRILLIANT MAN. CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY
MIKE FORSEE
March 3, 2021
I will always remember you Steve as a friend and a truly good person as well as a highly respected member of the bar. My the good Lord comfort your family at this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
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Visitation
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E M Coots' Sons Inc Funeral Home120 W Maple St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
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6
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E M Coots' Sons Inc Funeral Home120 W Maple St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
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