Congratulations to Bobby Beane and Harvey McClendon on their hard-earned retirement which they celebrated Friday alongside colleagues, family and friends in the Texan Theater.
Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin presented matching proclamations to the pair, marking Jan. 9, 2026, as “Bobby Beane and Harvey McClendon Day” in the City of Kilgore, Texas.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Bobby Beane and Harvey McClendon began their professional journeys with strong educational foundations—Bobby graduating from Baylor University in 1978 and Harvey from the University of Houston in 1975; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Bobby Beane partnered with Jack Ward to purchase Kilgore Insurance Agency and worked to grow the business, and in 1993, Harvey McClendon joined them to purchase Laird Insurance, combining the agencies but retaining the Laird name; and
WHEREAS, after more than four decades of dedicated service, Bobby and Harvey sold Laird Insurance Agency to Relation Insurance in 2023, marking the successful conclusion of their careers and a well-earned retirement; and
WHEREAS, both men have faithfully served their families, their church, and the Kilgore community—through roles such as deacons, youth sports coaches, City Council members, participants in the Chamber of Commerce and Kilgore Economic Development, board members, past presidents, founding members of the KISD Education Foundation, and honorees on the KISD Education Foundation Wall of Fame—modeling leadership, stewardship, and a lasting commitment to the betterment of the community they proudly call home; and
WHEREAS, in 2003, Bobby Beane purchased Harvey McClendon his first cell phone—a device Harvey still prefers to keep turned off—and Bobby, on the other hand, never turns his phone off unless he’s on the golf course; and
WHEREAS, let it be proclaimed that Bobby Beane and Harvey McClendon are hereby recognized and honored for their exemplary leadership, partnership, and lasting contributions to the insurance profession and their communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Ronnie Spradlin, declare January 9, 2026
“Bobby Beane and Harvey McClendon Day”
in Kilgore, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate their exemplary leadership, dedicated service, and lasting contributions to the community.
Proclaimed this 9th day of January, 2026
CITY OF KILGORE, TEXAS
R. E. Spradlin III, Mayor
