Photo courtesy of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home - Burkburnett
Feb 18, 1951 - Jan 14, 2026
John, you will be missed, and I’ll never forget our conversations, and the short time we worked together printing papers.
Dean H
January 18, 2026 | Burkburnett, TX | Coworker
In memory of and in gratitude for his honorable military service. May God bless him and welcome him home. Peace be with his family and friends.
Grateful Nation
January 16, 2026
Remembered By
Don Humphrey
January 16, 2026 | Owasso, OK | Classmate
John Arthur “Pepa” Beard, age 74, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family and community.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Burkburnett Church of Christ. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service.
John was born on February 18, 1951, in Kobe, Japan, and grew up in Sentinel, Oklahoma. Later in life, he made his home in Burkburnett, Texas, where he became a beloved and familiar presence—known by many as the “grandpa of the town.”
A proud veteran, John honorably served his country, a role he carried with quiet pride throughout his life. He was also a devout Christian and a faithful member of the Church of Christ, living his beliefs through service, generosity, and compassion for others.
John retired from the Times Record News after more than 30 years of dedicated service. In retirement, he fully embraced the simple joys that defined him—cracking jokes, visiting friends at United Supermarket, playing the lottery (famously winning one million dollars), helping anyone in need, and above all, making people laugh. His humor, warmth, and willingness to lend a hand left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
John was married to the love of his life, Sharon Beard, on May 5, 1990. Sharon preceded him in death on August 27, 2017. He loved his wife dearly and often spoke of the day he would be reunited with her in heaven.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Beard; his siblings Sherry Beard, Judy Blackburn, and Clarence Beard.
John is survived by his sisters Jeanie Bergman and Susie Albert; his sons James Mello and Michael Mello, and daughter-in-law Kristy Mello. He is also survived by the three grandchildren he raised as his own children—Michael Mello, Kaleb Mello, and Danielle Mello—who were the pride and joy of his life. He is further survived by his grandchildren Deshayna Custard, Miracle Home, TJ Mello, Chris Mello and Justyn Mello along with his twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of love, humor, and generosity.
John “Pepa” Beard will be remembered for his big heart, infectious laughter, and the way he made everyone feel like family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched.
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