He was born on July 28, 1934 in Astoria, IL, the son of the late Kenneth Glee and Darlene A. (Kessler) Beaird. He married Rhea Sue Van Hooser on October 18, 1988 in Cape Girardeau, MO, and she survives.
Richard served in the U.S. Army. He worked for the State of Illinois as a Mechanic and also farmed.
Besides his wife Rhea Sue, he is survived by 3 children, Rhonda (husband Robert) Hamilton of Sherman, IL, Ronnie (wife Susan) Beaird and Richard “Sam” (wife Heather) Beaird both of Astoria, IL; 4 step-daughters, Diane (husband Gary) Sassatelli, Denise (husband John) Sassatelli and Dawn (husband Robert) Wilke all of Taylorville, IL, and Deeann Durbin of Springfield, IL; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters; and many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield. A private family graveside service will be held at Astoria Cemetery in Astoria, IL. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.
Please visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.