Jackson city attorney dies

JACKSON, Mo. -- David Beeson, who devoted his law career to representing both the city he grew up in and the city he called home all his adult life, died Wednesday afternoon after suffering a heart attack on a trail ride near Eminence, Mo.

At the time of his death, the 54-year-old Beeson was the city attorney for both his hometown of Perryville, Mo., and for Jackson and represented the Jackson R-2 School District.

Riding his horse, Lady, had become one of Beeson's passions in the past 12 years. He was riding with his wife of 33 years, Diana, at the time of his death.

Beeson was known for his long-standing friendships and as an astute advocate for the cities he represented.

"He probably was one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the area of municipal law in the state," said Tom Ludwig, one of Beeson's law partners.

The Jackson city administration was shaken by the news about Beeson, who though he was a heavy smoker had no known history of heart problems.

"We are stunned and saddened by the loss of David Beeson," said Jackson Mayor Paul Sander. "He was a top-knotch attorney, well-versed in municipal law and well-respected in the community.

"His service and more importantly his friendship to many will be dearly missed."

Perryville native

Beeson grew up in Perryville where he quarterbacked and played halfback on the St. Vincent's High School football team. He was the school's student body president.

He was awarded the Purple Heart during a tour with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1969 and from Memphis State Law School in 1973.

He was associated with the law firm of Buerkle, Beeson, Ludwig, Jackson and Boner in Jackson, joining founder Joe Buerkle in practice in 1973. Beeson became city attorney for Perryville in 1975 and for Jackson in 1990. He began representing the Jackson schools in 1985.

"The most important thing to him was his wife and two girls," said Ludwig. "He didn't have big political ambitions."

His daughters, Jessica and Alexandria, are both grown.

One of his civic causes was the Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Ill., a school which trains people with learning disabilities. He was a past president and board member.

Frank Robinson, who owns a Perryville construction company, has been friends with Beeson since the two were in fifth grade together at St. Vincent's Grade School. They were best men at each other's weddings and roommates in college. Beeson was the attorney for Robinson's company.

He said Beeson loved singing and dancing with Diana and socializing.

Beeson and his wife were at the end of a weeklong trail-riding vacation when he died.