Leslie Beasley

Leslie M. Beasley Sr., 83, of Tamms, Ill., went to be with the Lord at 6:35 p.m. Friday, July 16, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Les was born Aug. 29, 1926, to Thomas R. and Maime Elizabeth Burden Beasley in Baystown, Ky.

He married Thelma Christine Griffin on Nov. 7, 1952, and they shared almost 58 years together.

He is survived by his wife; four sons, Les (Chris) Beasley of Cape Girardeau, Gary Beasley, Tom (Kim) Beasley, David (Rachel) Beasley, all of Tamms; four daughters, Sherry (Allen) Miller of Tamms, Joyce (Larry) Schnaare of Olmsted, Ill., Sandy (Jerry) Beck of Pickens, S.C., Janice (Bob) Pappas of Charleston, S.C.; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Bradshaw of Anna, Ill.; many nieces and nephews; his personal assistant and dear friend, Evelyn Dailey; a ton of friends worldwide.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, four sisters and an infant grandson.

Les retired from the United States Air Force a senior master sergeant after 30 years of service to his country. He earned too many commendations and awards to be listed, including the Medal of Honor.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and Cardinals baseball games. He loved to deliver Christmas candy his wife made to all his friends and to talk to everyone. His greatest love was his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Friends may call between 5 to 8 p.m., Monday at Jones Funeral Home in Tamms.

Funeral services for Les Beasley will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Gene Hart and A.C. Dockery officiating. Interment will follow in Lindsey cemetery, McClure, Ill., with full military honors by the Illinois National Guard Honor Detail and area veterans.