Don L. Beard

Don L. Beard, 93, of Brownwood, and Lipscomb, died February 27, 2017 in Brownwood. Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 4, 2017, at Lipscomb Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Holland, retired Methodist pastor, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian. Mr. Beard was born February 4, 1924 in Lowell, Arkansas to Oather and Onda Jones Beard. He was raised in the Lowell area, attending high school and graduating from Cave Springs High School, Cave Springs, Arkansas, in 1942. Immediately following graduation, Don joined the U. S. Navy, serving as an aviation machinist mate 2nd class from 1942-1946 in the Philippine Theatre. Upon his discharge, he moved to Woodward, Oklahoma to work for Southwestern Bell. He met a local newspaper reporter, Betty Merydith, and they married on June 6, 1948, moving to Amarillo. In 1950, they returned to the ranch in Lipscomb County. They joined the Canadian United Methodist Church in 1969 where Don worked as Sunday school superintendent, and he and Betty sang in the choir. Don served on the Lipscomb School Board for 20 years, and served as board president. He was the Democratic chairman and precinct chairman for 10 years. They moved to Brownwood in 1985 where Don joined the VFW and the American Legion. As snowbirds, they traveled between Brownwood and the Lipscomb ranch. Don liked to cook steaks on the grill and grow tomatoes. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, in 2013; his parents; two sisters, Maxie David and Viva Kepler; two brothers, Dean Beard and Hollis Beard; and a nephew, David Mayfield. Survivors include a daughter, Monica Beard of Brownwood; six nephews, Oather Mayfield, Guy Mayfield, and Mark Mayfield, all of Missouri, Donald B. David of New Jersey, Anthony Beard of Minnesota, and Michael Beard of South Carolina; and a sister-in-law, Ann Beard of Minnesota. Memorials may be made to a Veterans organization of choice.