Lewis Caldwell Beasley

Lewis Caldwell Beasley, 94, passed away August 31, 2019 in Overland Park, Kansas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Lewis was born in Sherman, Ms., on June 19, 1925. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nannie Eula (Caldwell) and George Spencer Beasley, and his son-in-law, Ralph "Buddy" Chewning. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Leona Daugherty Beasley; children Karen Beasley Chewning (Buddy), Gary Beasley (Bonnie); grandchildren Brandey Chewning Smith (Brian), Drew Chewning (Kaianne), Brittany Beasley Slagle (Derek), Brent Beasley, Blake Beasley (Rachel); great grandchildren Aislinn Smith, Madelinn Smith, Easton Chewning, London Chewning, Olivia Slagle and Aria Slagle. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law and a number of nieces, and nephews.

He was drafted into the Navy in Fall 1943 shortly after beginning classes at the University of Mississippi. He became a radio operator serving on ships operating in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Lewis resumed his studies at the University of Mississippi upon completing his military service and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Rutgers University. He served on the faculties of several Assemblies for Bank Directors sponsored by The Foundation of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and was involved in several special programs sponsored by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.

Lewis began his career with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 1949 as an assistant examiner trainee assigned to the St. Louis Region. His early assignments included work examining banks in east Tennessee. He met Leona during an assignment in Jacksboro, Tn. He and Leona established a home in Knoxville, Tn. and subsequent career assignments resulted in moves to Hopkinsville, Ky., Louisville, Ky., and St. Louis Mo. He was promoted to Regional Director during the 1960's and supervised the St. Louis Region until being transferred in 1967 to the Atlanta Region where he also served as Regional Director until retiring in June 1980. Among the notable accomplishment during his tenure as Regional Director was establishment of the first divided examination program between the FDIC and a state banking department. The success of that divided examination resulted in expanding the program nationwide.

In 2002 Leona and Lewis moved to Overland Park, Ks. to be closer to family.

Lewis always enjoyed gardening and after his retirement became active in the Atlanta chapter of the Men's Garden Club of America, serving a year as the chapter President. He was active in the Button-Gwinnett chapter of the National Association for Active and Retired Federal Employees, serving a year as chapter President. He and Leona traveled frequently to spend time with family. They enjoyed traveling with the garden club and with members of NARFE. Lewis loved spending time with Leona and members of their family in East Tennessee, particularly enjoying the Smokey Mountains. He was also a member of the Veterans Club at Tallgrass Creek.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 9, 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Penwell-Gabel Olathe Chapel, Olathe, Ks., with visitation to follow the service.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.