Charles Robert Beard

Charles Robert "Bob" Beard, 69, of Springfield, died at 11:16 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center. Charles was born July 16, 1939 in Springfield, the son of Charles A. and Edith Wolford Beard. He married Carol J. Hershfeld on April 2, 1965 in Springfield. Charles attended Lanphier High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1963 1965. Charles was employed at Atlas Mattress and later worked at Bemco Bedding, retiring in 2001. He was a member of VFW Post #10302. He enjoyed helping people and reaching out to those in need. Charles relished the opportunity to cook large holiday dinners for everyone in his neighborhood. He was very outgoing and had many friends. Among his favorite activities were fishing with Kody and Kaleb and camping. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Kole M. Childers. He is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Carol J. Beard of Springfield; one son, Bruce (wife, Julie) Beard of Springfield; one daughter, Janell M. (husband, Ace, Jr.) McClanahan of Springfield; five grandchildren, Ty R., Savannah Jo and Hunter R. Beard and Kody W. and Kaleb M. Childers all of Springfield; one sister, Evelyn Croll of Springfield; five nieces and one nephew. Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral ceremonies will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield with Pastor Bennie Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice Care of Illinois, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914.