John Beard

Born April 3, 1955 in Pekin, he was a son of Walter David and Helen Lorene (McElreath) Beard. His parents preceded him in death. He also was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Beard.

Surviving are one brother, James E. Beard of Pekin; one sister, Pat (Kenneth) Mack of Madison, Wisconsin; two nephews, Jeff Mack and James (Kristen) Mack and three nieces, Christiana Beard, Angelina Beard, and Joann (Paul) Minko; and five great nieces and nephews, Tali Minko, Eli Minko, Isabel Minko, Margot Mack and Gwen Mack.

John was a graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign with his bachelor’s degree in accounting.

He was a longtime mechanic and station attendant at Carl & Nichols Shell in downtown Pekin.

John was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. Pastor Eric N. Swanson will officiate. There will be no public visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com