Stuart was born in Richmond, IN on April 13, 1941, to Stuart J. Beebe Jr. and Elizabeth Jane (Scott) Beebe. He was raised in Corsicana, TX where he met the love of his life Loanna Gaines from nearby Chatfield, TX. They were married on August 9, 1958, and quickly started a family including two sons Stuart and Scott and one daughter Angie.
Stuart was a standout right tackle for the Corsicana High School Tigers football team and upon his graduation in 1959, he was recruited to play football for the Texas A&M Aggies. He later transferred to Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX where he lettered three years playing for the Yellowjackets.
After college, Stuart partnered up with several of his Howard Payne teammates to focus on turning around south Texas high school football programs, including success stints in Goliad, Floresville, and Mathis, TX. During this time, he served as a positive role model and mentor for the students and athletes he taught and coached.
After retiring from teaching and coaching, Stuart and Loanna moved their family to Victoria, TX, where he worked for his father’s Tex-Sun Glove Company until its closure. Subsequent endeavors led Stuart to Granbury, TX, where he was hired by the Pecan Plantation Country Club to oversee and manage the club’s marina and grill located on Lake Granbury. Members and visitors to the marina were likely to experience Stuart’s gregarious nature, his unreserved chatter, and perhaps enjoy one of his famous hamburgers fresh off the backdoor grill. It was also in Granbury that Stuart met and married his second wife Cassie Beebe and third wife Donna Kay “DK” Beebe.
Stuart was a dedicated Texan and hard-working man with a servant’s heart. He had a commanding presence, yet a gentle soul and easy demeanor. He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour novels, watching all sports, and faithfully following his Dallas Cowboys through thick and thin.
Known as “Big Daddy” or “Big Stu,” Stuart’s presence and influence touched the lives of multiple generations of his large extended family. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wives Loanna Gaines Beebe, Cassie L. Bannister Beebe and Donna Kay Cornish Beebe.
Stuart is survived by his children Stuart J. Beebe IV of Winter Park, FL, Michael Scott Beebe of Sacramento, CA, and Angie Beebe Cutting of Grapevine, TX.
Stuart is also survived by his sister Barbara Burke and her husband James Burke and his nieces and nephew Jennie Burke, Jason Burke and Rachel Burke Cocquyt.
[br]Arrangements by Wiley Funeral Home.
