Jerald Beasley

Jerald "Jerry" Beasley, 73, of McGregor, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, in Temple. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at First United Methodist Church, 500 South Madison, McGregor, with the Rev. Steve Heyduck and the Rev. Danny Tenney officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Cox Cemetery near Mercury, Texas, under the direction of Cole Funeral Home. Mr. Beasley was born April 29, 1933, in Brady, Texas, the son of the late James Randolph and Gladys Lucy (Jones) Beasley. He was reared and educated in Mercury and Winchell, Texas, and was valedictorian of his 1950 graduating class at Brookesmith High School. He attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood where he played football. He later transferred to the University of Texas where he graduated with honors in Civil Engineering in 1958. He served his country in the United States Army as a lieutenant during the Korean Conflict. On March 5, 1954, he married Jewel LaVerne Vogel at Fort Belvior, Va. During his military career, they lived in California and France. Following his military service, he was recruited by North American Aviation in Los Angeles, Calif. He was the oversight engineer for the first nuclear plant built for the production of commercial electricity. As part of the National Defense initiative, he was selected for the Minute Man Missile Project at Rapid City, S. D. Longing to return to Texas, he transferred to McGregor's North American Division in 1963. Later, he established Beasley Engineering Company in McGregor. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, McGregor Masonic Lodge, and a former member of the Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Beasley of McGregor; a son, Jay Beasley and wife, Andrea of Robinson; a daughter, Jill Denman and husband, Paul of Dallas; three grandchildren, Angela Marlin and husband, Jason, Amber Beasley, and Jameson Beasley; a great-grandson, Jack Marlin; an aunt, Ruth Dunn of Brownwood; and his beloved dog, Maggie. For those desiring, the family has suggested the McGregor Ambulance Association in care of Frances Hudson, 311 South Adams, McGregor, TX 76657, or the McGinley Memorial Library, 317 South Main Street, McGregor, TX 76657, for memorial contributions. Please visit our memorial at www.mem.com to leave a tribute or fond memory about Jerry. Cole Funeral Home, McGregor April 29, 1933 - September 17, 2006