John Richard Beasley

John Beasley was an attorney and civic leader in Beeville. He served as an incorporator and mayor of the town, and also as a board member and chair of the Beeville Independent School District.

As well, he was involved in researching and protecting the Texas Gulf Coast through his organization, Independent Coastal Research for the Common Good. He was particularly engaged in efforts against oyster shell dredging and aggressive commercial fishing, and in promoting catch-and-release.

Beasley also lobbied for habitat protection, through helping Senator Ralph Yarborough win National Seashore designation for Padre Island, and in supporting Connie Hagar’s campaign to save Frandolig Island from development. Finally, he is remembered for his experiments with white-winged dove range expansion, and for his reforestation efforts.