<P> In late 2003, Baer attempted the redevelopment of a former Walmart location in Carson City into a Beverly Hillbillies - themed hotel and casino, but was unsuccessful due to building code conflicts and other developers on the neighboring properties . On May 4, 2007, he announced the sale of the property and the purchase of another parcel just outside Carson City, in neighboring Douglas County, where he expected less resistance to his plans . Baer purchased a 2.5 - acre (10,000 m) parcel in north Douglas County for US $1.2 million, and will purchase an additional 20 acres (81,000 m) once he has obtained the required zoning variances . The plans are for a 40,000 - square - foot (3,700 m) gambling area with 800 slot machines and 16 tables, flanked by various eateries including "Jethro's All You Ken Et Buffet ." The project would feature a showroom, cinema complex and a 240 - room, five - story hotel . </P> <P> Plans for Baer's casino included a 200 - foot - tall (61 m) mock oil derrick spouting a 20 - to 30 - foot (9.1 m) flame . </P> <P> As of December 2017, development of Jethro's Casino had been suspended . Ongoing litigation involving Max Baer Jr, the developer and Douglas County has delayed the development of the project indefinitely . </P> <P> He remained close friends with Buddy Ebsen until his death on July 6, 2003, from pneumonia . Just before his acting mentor's death, he and Donna Douglas both had visited Ebsen in the hospital . </P>

What happened to jethro from the beverly hillbillies