Lt. Richard Eugene Beard

On November 4th we lost a husband, father, grandfather, great friend, hero, mentor, Richard Beard. Richard loved life in general and relished the personal relationships he had with so many people. Family and friends were of primary importance to Richard, but he had many passions in his life. Flying, and becoming a pilot with the USAF and Indiana University Air Transportation, his involvement at the Monroe County Fair with the Fair board and the 4H programs, the cattle industry especially Sr and Jr Hereford associations, and his association with Perry-Clear Creek Fire department. Richard was born on December 19th 1933 in Monroe County to Warren and Maude (Whaley) Beard. He grew up enjoying farm life in southern Indiana and after a stint in the USAF came back to Bloomington where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from BHS in 1952 and both Purdue and Indiana University and before going on to do many things. After high school he enlisted in the USAF where he his passion for flying developed. After his honorable discharge from the USAF he was a member of the USAF reserves for over 20 years and retired as a Lt Colonel in 1982. After serving his country, primarily as pilot trainer who developed future pilots of the USAF and pilots from around the world, he returned to Bloomington. He was a proud member of the US military. Shortly after coming home, Richard began working with Indiana University and was instrumental in the creation of the Indiana University Air Transportation Department. He ended up working for the university for over 37 years. In addition to serving as Chief Pilot for the university for many years he then took on additional responsibilities. He served as Director of Real Estate for the Indiana University Foundation. He had many duties in that role but one that is often remembered is his leadership of Foun Farms (Martin L Conrad Ranch) for the university. His love of people and the livestock industry was obvious to those who knew Richard. He retired from the university in 1999. Although Richard’s family and work life was important to him and he also gave back to the community in abundance. He served on the Monroe County Fairboard for over 20 years and was a past President as well. His love of agriculture is also demonstrated by his service as President of the Indiana Hereford Association. He recently served on the board of the Perry-Clear Creek fire district for over a decade. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen and the Elk’s club. He is a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient and he served in other organizations throughout his life as well and was also a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church. Richard is survived by his wife Cathy Beard, his sister Anise (Pete) Osborne, his brother Robert (Betty) Beard, his children Tina (Danny) Arnold, Cathy (Bruce) Garber, and Chris (Mary) Beard. His step-children Sharon (Mike) Arnold, Eric (Deb) Hubbard, Logan Pipher, Lindsay Pipher, and Alex Pipher. His grandchildren are Lesle Webb, Steven Webb, Clint Richardson, Curt Richardson, Stephanie Railey, Joseph Barnes, Taylor Beard, Warren Beard, Nathan Walker, Mikel Arnold, Kelly Waetke, Doug Arnold and their spouses and families. In addition, Richard also has twelve great grandchildren. Richard is preceded in death by his sister Carol Ann Beard, his brother Charles Herbert Beard, and his son Richard Kevin Beard. Memorial services will be held at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S. Old St. Rd. 37, Bloomington at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9th. Interment with Full Military Honors will be conducted at Valhalla Memorial Gardens. Friends may greet the family during a time of sharing on Monday from 3;00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Monroe County 4-H association in care of Allen Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org

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Lt. Richard Eugene Beard

December 19, 1933 - November 4, 2010