Herman Beasley

THEBES, Ill. -- Herman L. "Babe" Beasley, 62, of Thebes died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, at his home.

He was born Sept. 5, 1946, in Cairo, Ill., son of Archie and Helen M. Jackson Beasley Sr. He and Charlotte A. Foeste were married March 29, 1966, in St. Genevieve, Mo.

He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Cape First Church, the Moose Lodge in Anna, Ill., and a former member of the American Legion Post in McClure, Ill. He was the owner/operator of Beasley Trash Disposal more than 20 years, selling the business in 1991. He went on to be a commercial fisherman and operator of Babe Fish Wagon in East Cape Girardeau, Ill.

Survivors include his wife, of Thebes; a daughter, Michelle Butler of Olive Branch, Ill.; five sons, Archie Beasley of Thebes, Matt Beasley of Olive Branch, Ill., Allen Pearman of Advance, Mo., Daniel Beasley and Andrew Beasley, both of Thebes; two brothers, Archie Beasley Jr. of Del Rio, Texas, Raymond L. Beasley of Avoca, N.Y.; and a sister, Mary E. Gearing of Bloomington, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Leslie Ray Beasley; and three sisters, Shirley Story, Barbara Cain and Evelyn Musgraves.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gary Brothers officiating.

Burial will be at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the family of Herman "Babe" Beasley to be distributed to local charities.