He was the youngest of five children to the late Auer Kermit Beard and Edith Watson Beard. Born in Charleston, West Virginia, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Mathena on October 14, 1950 and enjoyed a happy marriage of 71 years.
Arthur loved his rose gardens for as long as he was able to care for them, tinkering in his garage and loved decorating the yard for Christmas. He worked as an HVAC Technician for many years.
Arthur is survived by his wife, Evelyn Beard; his five children, Art Beard (Doris), Debbie Cockrell, Steve Beard (Eunice), Kathy Jacob (Eddie) and Linda Estridge (Gary); 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
The family is very thankful to all of Dad's caregivers: TJ Watford, Linda Ellisor, Debora Nazery and Dorothy Hart for their loving care and compassion. We are also thankful to Hearts of Hospice with a special thanks to Nellie, Tammy and Deb.
Memorials may be sent to Boys Town online at boystown.org or by mail at 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, NE 68010.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmansouthland.com for the Beard family.
