Dr. Stewart R. Beasley Jr.
July 25, 1943 – April 21, 2017
Dr. Stewart R. Beasley Jr. succumbed to cancer after a terminal diagnosis in December 2016 on April 21, 2017 in his home in Edmond, OK.
Stewart has been a counseling psychologist (OK license #199) since 1976, a university professor, and advocate for mental health nationwide. He was a popular speaker, and writer who educating schools, churches, civic clubs, and professional organizations. His ability to succinctly summarize issues related to news and psychology lead him to host a radio show on KTOK. He was frequently invited to appear on local news shows as well as CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX. His most prized honors were for his service and professional competence by: Oklahoma City’s Contact Crisis Helpline-Outstanding Leadership in Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Wellness; the American Psychological Association-Federal Advocate of the Year for Contributions to the Profession of Psychology at both the State and Federal Level at its annual State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C; The Oklahoma Psychological Association – Distinguished Psychologist Citation, Citation for Distinguished Contribution by a Psychologist in the Public Interest, and the Citation for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession of Psychology in Oklahoma. He was an active member of OPA for over 35 years where he served as a two-term President, Director of Legislative Affairs, and Psychologist of the Day in the state legislature. He was the first psychologist in Oklahoma named by the Governor as a Member of the Oklahoma State Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services where he served as Vice Chair. He was an appointed member of the first Oklahoma County Victim Restitution Trust Authority. He was an inductee into the Perry High School Alumni Honor Roll in 2008, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments of former students. Harder service was experienced when called upon to assist survivors of the Edmond post office massacre; Edmond and Moore tornado survivors; and to be live on-air early in the evening through the night after the April 19, 1995 Murrah Building bombing, talking with people about their feelings and reactions to the tragic event.
Stewart Russell Beasley, Jr. was born July 25, 1943 to Stewart R. Beasley, Sr. and Mary Louella (Orcutt) Beasley in Enid, OK. Stewart was raised in Perry, Oklahoma and graduated from Perry High School in 1961. As a youth, he was active in scouting where he became the youngest Eagle Scout in 1957. In 1964, he was chosen to represent Oklahoma as a guide at the World’s Fair. After graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma, he went on to teach Biology at Edmond Memorial High School in 1966. He received a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from UCO in 1968. It was at this time that he worked on Governor Henry Bellmon’s staff and created life-long friendship with the Bellmon family and staff. He then moved to Jefferson County School District in Colorado to teach physical sciences and as a part-time counselor. While in Colorado, he received a Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado-Boulder in 1971. Upon returning to Edmond, OK, Stewart became a Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma where his love for teaching future counselors thrived for 15 years. After practicing psychology part-time, he opened a full-time practice in 1984, in Edmond, OK, and continued to teach classes at OSU, OCU and UCO and OU Health Sciences Center until his death.
Stewart’s love and pride in his family centered him and made every day special. While growing up in Perry, OK, Stewart married his classmate Frances Evelyn Hopper in 1964. They both graduated from UCO and became teachers in Edmond and Colorado. They had one son, Stewart R. Beasley III. In 1982 Stewart married Lori Anne Johnson, and they were married for 33 years. They welcomed children Emory Breene Beasley and Evan Cole Newmark Beasley into their family.
Stewart was preceded in death by his parents Stewart Sr. and Mary Louella Beasley, and sisters Marilyn and Barbara who died at birth. He is survived by Fran Beasley and Lori Beasley; his children Stewart III of Westminster, CO, and Emory and Evan of Edmond; his grandson William Lucus, of Edmond; his sister Mary Lou Grant of Las Vegas, NV; his niece Jennifer Dillard of Perry, OK and nephew Jason Dillard and great-nephew Jason Dillard, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV; along with many other extended family, and many friends and colleagues who were an important part of Stewart’s life. He was a loving father, grandfather4/26/2017 2:22 PM, brother, uncle, friend and colleague, for so many people over the years.
A fine man’s soul left this day. His children lost their father; his grandson lost his Pop; kin lost kin; mental health lost an advocate; patients lost their therapist; students lost a professor; close friends lost a good friend; neighbors lost neighbor; a day lost his presence. A void to be filled, but not forgotten.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dean Drooby, physician and friend; Mercy Hospice; Bobbie and Coletta; Richard Hess, Tom Vaugh, Gene Walker for their Sunday night visits.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, April 27th at First Christian Church in Edmond, OK. Family will receive guests after the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heartline, www.heartlineoklahoma.org, or to the Perry Alumni Association, https://perryokalumni.com.
To share a memory or condolence, visit Matthews Funeral Home at https://matthewsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/
I am so sad to hear of Dr. Beasley passing away. He gave me such a wonderful opportunity to work for him and help run his office while I was obtaining my master’s degree in counseling. He helped open my eyes to the many facets of the counseling world. Dr. Beasley was always kind, caring, and had a wonderful smile and laugh! He was a true advocate that worked to help all better understand the mental health needs of others. He will be truly missed.
Dr. Beasley demonstrated to all of us what it means to live a good life. To have character, courage and persistence and a genuine caring and love for others, all of which he had in abundance. He was such a blessing and truly will be greatly missed.
Dr. Beasley was a role model for those of us in the mental health field. Always available as a professor and later when in practice, he was a mentor, quick to support and encourage -and always with a warm smile and an infectious laugh. I heard from him a few weeks before his death as I’m sure did many others – thanking us! A sign of his character and his dedication to the profession. I will miss knowing he’s as close as my email inbox, but I will carry his knowledge and inspiration with me.
I have known Dr Beasley since he was my seventh grade science teacher starting in 1966. He was a kind and generous soul and I literally would not be here today if it were not for him.
Dr Beasley is remembered for his passion to the practice of Psychology in many ways.
Rest in Peace. Gale
I was so sorry to hear of Dr Beasley’s passing. I thought about him frequently over the years. He was one of my professors at Central State (as it was known then) many decades ago. We were only a few years apart in age. As an older student, I appreciated how he related not only to me but the younger students as well. He was such a wonderful man and he will be so missed by me and many, many others.
I’m so terribly saddened to learn of Stewart’s passing. He was my teacher, my mentor, my encourager and my friend. He was caring, bright, honest, and humble. The world has lost a truly good human being.
Janet Howard Bowles
Stewart was a man of intelligence, compassion, and giving. He contributed to the lives of thousands and will be greatly missed. He was an example to all of us for what a person should be.
Dr. Beasley was an important advocate and friend to our family and is already deeply and profoundly missed by all of us. We know we must go on and are forever grateful for the tools he was able to share with us, and know it is ok that we miss him terribly, too. Forever grateful for the time together…
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Dr. Beasley (Skipper) and I started the 1st grade together many years ago and I have admired him throughout his life. Skipper’s life was a gift to everyone fortunate enough to know him and I treasure that gift. He will truly be missed and remembered lovingly by us all. Rest in peace Skip.
Dear Lori,
We are so sorry about the loss of you lovely husband. He was a kind and intelligent person and we are pleased to have met him. May God bless your family and comfort them in their grief.
Kathy & Bob Terrell
I am so sad to learn of Stewart’s death. He was a long-time colleague and friend. What he did for the field of mental health, Oklahoma Psychology, his numerous trainees, and clients, made our community and state a better place. My life was enriched by knowing him and I am grateful that I had that opportunity.
I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly. I am so appreciative of his mentoring and friendship. He will be greatly missed.
Dr Beasley, when I think of that man the words like scholar, brilliant, moral compass, steady rock, compassionate, elegant, caring all come to me. He was always the quintessential professional and gentleman. The world has truly lost a giant. I am honored to have served on the psychology board with him and will always remember him.
i am so sad to hear of Dr. Beasley’s passing. I had the privilege of being a student in his Ethics class at UCO a couple of years ago. He was passionate about his lectures and brought a wealth of knowledge to his classroom. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Beasley (Dr. Lori Beasley), he was an exceptional person, one i am sure will be treasured as well as missed.
I was fortunate to have first met Dr. Beasley at CSU as an undergrad student. His easy-going personality was captivating, his lectures were thought provoking and he imparted a true sense of how “to do” psychology in the real world. He had an uncanny natural expertise in developing his grad student’s clinical skills and professional ethics. His many hats served his students, professional colleagues, friends and the field of psychology well. I am honored and humbled to have been able to call him a friend.
Skip was my best friend for over 60 years. I miss him already. Go with God, Skip.
He sure thought the world of you too Tommy! It was great to meet you Thursday!
It is difficult to know what to say at times like this – words seem so inadequate. As one of Stewart’s colleagues at UCO I remember his friendliness, his always ready smile and his commitment to UCO students and faculty. My thoughts and prayers are with entire family at this time of grief and sorrow. May the knowledge that Stewart was loved and respected by all who met him give you strength and peace. God bless you.
After refusing to attend high school, my parents took me to Dr. Beasley at 17. In the one hour I spent with him he changed the course of my life with his wisdom and advice. Unexpectedly, Dr. Beasley encouraged my parents to let me drop out of school. What I didn’t understand then that I later realized is that he had empowered me to forge my own path in life, together with all of the consequences and rewards that offers. I have often reflected on the few word he left me with, and 20 years later reached out to his office to thank him, only to learn he had just closed his practice. I’ll never forget the influence he had on my life, and will always be grateful.