Joe Gordon Beard

Denison, Texas – Joe Gordon Beard slipped into the loving arms of our Savior Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma cancer, at Wilson N. Jones Medical Center. His loving family surrounded him.

The family will receive visitation at the funeral home Sunday afternoon February 21, 2010 between 3 and 5 PM.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, February 22, 2010 at Parkside Baptist Church, 301 N. Lillis Ln., Denison, TX, Reverend Chet Haney and Pastor Charles Shaw will officiate the service. Jason Anderson will conduct the graveside service at Cedarlawn Memorial Park, Sherman, TX.

Joe was born June 15, 1935 in Hobbs New Mexico to Joe and Glennie Mae McMinn Beard. He received his schooling in Ranger, Texas. He loved and played football for the school. During his time there the team won a state championship. He joined the Air Force in 1952 (under aged) and flew combat missions over Korea. He came out of the service in 1953 because of ‘age” and re-enlisted 1954-1958. He received an honorable discharge with the rank of AFC/1 and a good conduct medal. He played football for the Air Force for 2 years at Dover Airforce base. He was injured in a plane crash the second year, which ended his football career. He finished his tour of duty in Tripoli, N. Africa. He returned to the states and continued his education at Howard Payne Jr. college, where he received “all state” acting award 2 years in succession. He attended Ranger Jr. College and then tried his hand at acting. He played extras part in several John Wayne movies, (Alamo, and Rio Bravo.) He returned to Texas and was working with an aeration company, which took him to Sunray, Texas where he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Lummus. They were blessed with 5 children, Gordon Mac, Sheri, Terri, Byron and Amanda. The family moved to Denison and Joe went to work at the John Manville plant. Joe finished his career driving a bus for SISD. He loved the job, the kids and he received an accommodation for “outstanding” service when he managed to maneuver his bus load of football player through an accident scene without incidence on a return trip from Whitcha Falls, Texas.

The most memorable moment of his life was September 1947 when he accepted Jesus Christ into his life. He proudly confessed that he had belonged to his Lord for over sixty years. He was an active member of Parkside Baptist church until his health began to fail.

He taught a Sunday school class for high school boys and then a senior men class at Parkside Baptist for several years. He loved the Lord with all his heart and didn’t mind telling you so. He loved his church family and enjoyed visiting with friends, traveling, watching football and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all whom had an opportunity to know him. He had a loving compassionate heart and brought joy and laughter to us all.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of the home, Sons: Gordon Mac, fiancée, Susan Pendleton, Plano, Byron Joe, wife Laura of Prosper, Texas daughters: Sheri Rodriguez, Sherman, Texas, Terri Copeland, husband, David of Carrolton, Amanda Anderson, Jason of Sherman, Texas. 14 grandchildren, Michael Beard, Laura Rodriguez, Isaac Rodriguez, Diane Rodriguez, Samantha Rodriguez, Christine Copeland, Matthew Copeland, Danielle Ferguson, Emily Beard, Ryan Beard, Elizabeth Beard, Luke Anderson, Lydia Anderson and Levi Anderson. Sister, Kathryn Polan and husband Ray, brother Jerry Beard and wife Maxine one aunt, Margaret Kemp of Corpus Christi, Texas and many nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother and family, Joe Beard, Glennie Mae Beard Robinson, sisters, Juanita Robinson and Ann Akins, step-father, Ben Robinson, mother and father in law, Waddie and Lucia Lummus, brother in law, Bill Lummus, sisters in law, Jeanette Anderson, and Sandra Lummus.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Bratcher Funeral Home, 401 W. Woodard Street, Denison, Texas 75020. For further information, please call the funeral home at (903) 465–2323, or for an online obituary, directions or to leave a condolence, please go to www.bratcherfuneralhome.com

Now I have gone my merry way

To fields so plush and green

And in the night please think of me

As though I was a dream

For I have passed beyond the veil

And wondrous sights I see

So do not weep or be sad

Tis peaceful here for me

Do not grieve at my loss

Nor let it break your heart

For I am near to you all

If I am in your heart.