Raymond W. Beard

Raymond W. (Ray) Beard passed away February 1, 2009 at his home in Laurie, Missouri. Ray was born in St Louis, Missouri on Dec 1, 1934 to Vernon and Florence Klaus Beard. He married Geraldine (Gerri) Grob on Jan 25, 1958 in St Louis. He served his country with the United States Army 1st Calvary Division in Korea and Fort Bliss, Texas. He resided in St Louis until 1958 at which time he re-located to Kirksville and surrounding areas after his Military commitment. In 1969 he and his family moved to Centralia. Ray retired from A. B. Chance Company with 27 years of service in 1997. He then drove a school bus for the Centralia R-VI School District until 2003. He and wife Gerri then moved to Laurie, Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks. Ray was an active member of Westlake Christian Church in Laurie and several other previous church homes. He was a member of the VFW and an active volunteer in several community programs. Ray was an avid fisherman and woodcrafter; many family and friends benefited from his talents. Some of his grandchildren also considered him more a father than grandfather. He is survived by his wife Gerri with whom he shared 51 years. His children: Angela Beard of Laurie, Brenda Bell and husband Chris of Columbia, Vicky Koonley and husband Rick, of St. Peters, Gena Davidson and husband Carl of Lebanon, Sandi Mulligan and husband Tim of Florissant, Raymond Beard and wife Suki of Phoenix, AZ, Ray (Butch) Beard and Brenda Sutter of St Louis, Debbie McQuaid and Jim Moreland of Millstadt, IL, Gail Renick and husband Pete of Laurie, Karen Swanson and husband Terry of Columbia. Ray is also survived by his sister Jeanette Hinchcliffe and husband Bob of Wilmington, NC, his brother Wayne Beard and wife Floy of Laurie, and 3 sisters in law LaVerne Beard of Bonne Terre, Arline Grobe of Norcross, MN, Thelma Boice of Juniata, Nebraska, 37 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Florence, a brother LeRoy, grandson Jonathan, and great grandson Anthony. Visitations and Celebrations of Life will be held as follows: In Laurie, Missouri: Visitation Tuesday, February 3, 2009 6 PM to 8 PM at West Lake Christian Church. Celebration of Life Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at West Lake Christian In Centralia, Missouri: Visitation Wednesday February 4, 2009, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at First Christian Church Celebration of Life Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 11:00 AM First Christian Church Memorials may be made to West Lake Christian Church of Laurie, Missouri, First Christian Church of Centralia, Missouri, or the American Cancer Society in leau of flowers.

Raymond W. Beard

February 1, 2009

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Raymond W. Beard

February 1, 2009

About Us

What We Do

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