William H Beard

Born July 2, 1928 in Peoria to William L. and Marie J. (Keller) Beard, he married Betty E. Duran on April 10, 1950 in Elmwood. She died August 22, 2007 in East Peoria. He also was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Morris R. Beard and Clarence L. Beard.

Surviving are three sons, Britt A. (Kim) Beard of Metamora, William E. (Brenda) Beard of East Peoria and Bruce E. (Lynn) Beard of Creve Coeur; one daughter, Belinda G. Brown of Metamora; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and one half brother, John Moreland of Peru.

Bill graduated from East Peoria High School in 1947 and began working for Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1948, retiring in 1984. During that time, he served on the steward council, was the co-editor of the Local 974 newspaper, served on the top bargaining committee and spent his last 15 years in management.

He played music locally for approximately 40 years at several locations, the last 20 years with the Easy Livin Band.

His funeral will be at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2009at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel. Father Attilio Morelli will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61636.

Following the funeral, all family and friends are invited to Bill's residence for a farewell party. Food and beverages will be provided.