Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Beer was a sergeant in the United States Army toward the end of World War II, from 1945 to 1946.

He was a captain in the United States Air Force JAG Corps from 1952 to 1955.

He was in private practice in New Orleans from 1955 to 1974, serving on the New Orleans City Council from 1969 to 1974, including service as vice president from 1972 to 1974, and as acting president from 1973 to 1974.

[1] On October 11, 1979, Beer was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana created by 92 Stat.

[2] Beer died on February 9, 2018, at his New Orleans home.