Gary Michael Beal

March 22, 1947 – August 21, 2021

Gary Beal passed away at home in Tomball TX on August 21, 2021. He is survived by his wife Dianne of 41 years, daughter Shannon and her husband, Kelly Bedrich and 2 grandsons, Connor and Kyle who are both students at Texas A&M. After retiring from Leavell Insurance, Inc. in 2016 where he was a partner, Gary and his wife, Dianne moved from Hobbs to Tomball, TX to be close to their daughter and family, as well as doctors.

Gary was born and raised in Hobbs, NM where he spent most of his life and professional career. Gary liked to say “his family roots in Lea County and Hobbs were as deep as anyone’s.” His great-grandparents moved to the Hobbs area near Monument NM in 1904 to homestead with their 3 children and to be close to Gary’s great, great grandparents who had homesteaded in the same area in 1896.

Gary was active in numerous not-for-profit organizations and related boards in New Mexico including Hobbs Rotary for 37 years where he received the Paul Harris Award in 1997 for his service and leadership. Gary also served for many years in leadership and on the Board of Leaders Industries, a non-profit that provides services to disabled adults in Hobbs. Gary took great pride in his alma mater, The University of New Mexico, where he served on the Alumni Board and on the University’s Board of Trustees. He served as President of United Way of Lea County in 1982/83 and 1997/98 and was a Board member 2000 – 2004. Gary was also involved with the Miss New Mexico Scholarship Pageant for 30+ years having served on its Board and also as Executive Director for several years. He also served on local and the New Mexico State Board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Gary was a true believer of the Rotary Club philosophy of ‘service above self’.

Gary was a strong advocate and mentor of youth organizations and always took the time to do interview training for any student who requested help. He had special young men in his life such as Marcus Joiner of Arlington, TX, Daniel Franco of Denver, CO, Paul Quintela of San Antonio, TX, and Matthew Baird of Amarillo, TX, whom he mentored and loved like sons. Numerous other students in Hobbs were recipients of his mentorships and love.

Gary took and active role in leadership positions at First United Methodist and St. Christopher’s Episcopal church in Hobbs, NM where he was second baby baptized in 1948. Gary and Dianne were active in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tomball at the time of his death.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tomball, TX on Sunday, August 29th at 2 PM. An internment service will be held at Sacramento Camp and Conference Center in Sacramento, NM at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory can be made to Leaders Industries 115 W. Dunnam St, Hobbs, NM 88240.