Donald Beddard, M.D.

Donald N. Beddard, M.D., age 73, of Mansfield, died Saturday, October 18, 2008 at MedCentral Hospital in Mansfield. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on February 3, 1935 to the late Eleanor Keefer Beddard and Clarence Frederick Beddard. Dr. Beddard graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and attended Ohio Wesleyan University before transferring to The Ohio State University where he graduated with a B.S. degree. He obtained his medical degree from The Ohio State Medical School in 1961 and then interned and did his first year of medical residency at Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He completed his last two years of medical residency at Riverside Hospital in Columbus where he was chief resident of internal medicine the last year. He served two years in the US army at Ft. Stewart, GA, where he was chief of professional services. In 1967 he returned to Mansfield to join Dr. F.J. Heringhaus in the practice of internal medicine. Later Dr. Fereidoun Behi and then Dr. Nyan Win joined the practice. Dr. Beddard was board certified in internal medicine. Professionally he served as chief of staff at MedCentral, chairman of the Richland County Medical Society, and was on the Board of the Ohio Society of Internal Medicine for one term. He retired from clinical medicine in 2002, but continued to be an independent contractor with the State of Ohio doing physical exams for Social Security Disability. Dr. Beddard was an active member of the First English Evangelical Lutheran Church where twice he was President of the Church Council as well as serving on numerous other church committees. Other community activities included Chairman of the Board of Visiting Nurses Association, volunteer medical director of the Rehabilitation Center, Chamber of Commerce Board, Board of the Third Street Family Health Services, and the Richland County Foundation where for two years he was Chairman of the Board. Dr. Beddard enjoyed an active life. He was an avid golfer, snow skier, and for a number of years, raced a one-design sailboat at Clear Fork Lake. Music was a special part of his life. He enjoyed playing the piano everyday and on special occasions enjoyed sharing his love of music with his sons and grandchildren. He was a member of Westbrook Country Club, the 51 Club, and the Hermits.

Survivors include is his wife Janice DeBower Beddard; sons, David F. Kimberly Beddard of St. Augustine, FL and Todd D. Beddard of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Alexandra, Elliot, Katherine, and Jessica; mother-in-law, Edna DeBower of Schuyler, NE; sister-in-law, Dolores Johnson of Schuyler, NE; nephews, Erik Johnson of Montreal, Quebec, Kurt Johnson of St. Paul, MN; and niece, Kristi Leer of Danville, CA.

Friends may call Wednesday, October 22, 2008 from 4-7 p.m. at the Diamond St. Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at First English Lutheran Church, 53 Park Ave West, Mansfield, conducted by Rev. Paul L. Larson and Pastor Andrew W. Jones. Memorial contributions may be made to the First English Lutheran Church, the Third St. Family Health Services, or the Richland County Foundation.