Edwin J Bard

Born in Minneapolis, MN on April 6, 1924, Dr. Bard was first and foremost a servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was evidenced throughout and through his final days as he witnessed and prayed with visitors and doctors when they came to his room.

Dr. Bard proudly served his country during World War II, where he was recognized for his bravery with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medals and French Citation. After the war, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota and later graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He relocated to Jacksonville, FL, where he set up a thriving dental practice and, over the years, became an immensely respected pillar of the community.

A lifelong athlete, Dr. Bard excelled at football and basketball in school and, recreationally as a young adult. He enjoyed golf, travel, exercise, theatre, attending church services and socializing with his friends. He was an active and loyal member of First Baptist Church, where over the years he took on many leadership roles including deacon, Sunday school teacher, building committee for the Ruth Lindsay Auditorium, and, finance committee, to name a few. An ardent sports fan, Dr. Bard enjoyed viewing a variety of sports and rooting for his favorite teams: the Florida Gators, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Minnesota Vikings. Above all else, however, Dr. Bard was a devoted husband and father who always made his family a top priority.

Dr. Bard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Barbara Jeanne Bard; his children, Ann Bard Oswald, Nancy Bard Gay, Brian Bard, Irene Bard Stone, David Bard, Jay Bard, and April Bard; grandchildren, Charles Oswald, Ashley Holdeman, Ian Oswald, Kerry Rutheford-Kathe, Nancy Baggs, Sharon Pies, Bard Rutherford, Bryson Bard, Paul, Derek, Dawson and Ling Taing, Lindsay Rose, Brooke Mosor, Jacqueline Stone, David Jay Bard II, Michael Dvoroznak, Jeanne Walker, Victoria Adler, Aerin Bard, Amber Bard, Seth Bard; his brother, Charles Bard; sister-in-law, Shirley Bard; and his 20 great-grand children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel David Bard and Edith Sophia Bard; and his daughter, Claire Reed.

Dr. Bard’s family and friends are deeply saddened by his recent passing, but take comfort in knowing that he is now in heaven’s kingdom with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be missed, but his legacy and memory will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ICM toward a church to be built in his honor in an underprivileged country. Www.icm.org/give, 1-877-622-7778 or ICM 606 Aderdeen Rd.,Hampton, VA 23661

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at the First Baptist Church Jacksonville in the Hobson Auditorium 119 W Beaver St., Jacksonville, FL 32202 and the graveside service with military honors will follow at 1:45pm at Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 –8pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.GreenlawnJacksonville.com

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens, Greenlawn Funeral Home &