Richard R. Beard

RICHARD ROBERT BEARD, 89, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015 at Lutheran Life Villages, Pine Valley. Born on July 22, 1925 in Fort Wayne, he was a son of the late Earl and Emma (Scherer) Beard. Richard served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the WWII era. He graduated from Purdue University and was the owner of Beard's Nursery and Garden Center for over 45 years, from which he retired. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Mitzpah Shrine. He is survived by his daughters, Diane (John) Glass and Beth (Scott) Mullins, both of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Tyler, Jonathon, Maggie, and Brian; and two great-grandchildren, Nikos and Miabella. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Anne (Lyman) Beard; and brother, James Beard. Per Richard's request, there will be no funeral service. Calling is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Life Villages, Pine Valley or to Parkview Hospice.