Allen Benson Beard

Born April 23, 1918, in Sayre, Okla., Al loved to tell about his younger years growing up on a western Oklahoma farm. He would tell about his horse riding and roping abilities and always with that bit of exaggeration that he most often used.

Al and his brother Orville joined the Army serving their country during World War II. Upon his return from the war and with an honorable discharge from service, Al went to Detroit to buy a new black shiny Ford coupe. He enjoyed new cars and owned 40 or so over the years.

In 1955, Al married Hazel who he loved and was devoted to for 50 years. He retired from the Standard Oil in Richmond after 34 years of service and they moved to Vacaville. Al liked being with people and enjoyed the Moose Lodge, particularly the trailer camping and playing cards at the Senior Center. He became a widower in 2005 losing Hazel. He also was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about the same time and battled the disease until Nov. 16, 2010, when he again found Hazel. He would always say that he had lived a wonderful life and in fact he did.

Al leaves his brother, Orville Beard and sister, Imogene Ruiz, both of Oklahoma City; stepson, Ray Cole, daughter-in-law, Joan Cole, of Elk Grove; and grandson's Brian and Jeff Cole, their wives April and Selina Cole, two great-granddaughters, Lela and Maya, plus numerous nieces and nephews. All will miss his humor and the wonderful man who cherished his Hazel.

A funeral service will be held today at 2 p.m. at Vaca Hills Chapel Funeral Home, 524 Elmira Road, Vacaville, 446-3233. Those wishing to pay their personal respects to Al may do so between noon and 2 p.m. prior to the service. Interment and military honors will be on Monday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery 522 Elmira Road, Vacaville.