RON BEARD
ALEXANDRIA, IN Ronald K. "Ron" Beard, 88, entered peace and rest on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from the Alexandria Care Center following an extended illness.
He was born on October 26, 1936, in Anderson to Terry "Jack" and Mable (Marsh) Beard and was a lifetime Alexandria resident. He was a graduate of Alexandria High School-Class of 1954 where he played football and basketball. He played the trumpet in the Alexandria Marching Tiger Band. Ron graduated from Indiana State Teacher's College with a degree in business in 1960. He later received his master's degree in education from Ball State Teachers College of Muncie in 1966. The majority of Ron's teaching career was at Madison Heights High School in Anderson where he taught general business and business math classes in the early years and later became the Director of Guidance and Counseling. He also held numerous coaching positions during his time at MHHS in football, track and wrestling.
Ron was an IHSAA official, refereeing in track, football and basketball. He worked 3 State Finals in 3 different sports. In 2003, Ron was inducted into the IHSAA Basketball Hall of Fame for his contributions to basketball as an IHSAA official. In 1988, Ron worked the Olympic track and field trials in Indianapolis. Collectively, Ron spent 37 years in education, making a difference in thousands of young lives.
After retirement, Ron spent several years traveling with Gaither Vocal Band helping in various capacities behind the scenes. Music has always been a part of Ron's life. He received a new "lease on life" when asked to serve as trumpeter playing Taps at military funeral honors all around the Madison County area. In his early years, Ron sustained an eye injury which prevented him from joining the military service as many of his peers did. Because of his dedication to the military honors program, the Elwood VFW #5782 made Ron an Honorary VFW Member. Ron said this program was "one of the most rewarding things he has ever done in his lifetime." "Playing Taps was my way of serving my country" Ron said it's an honor he humbly cherished.
Ron's community activities were numerous and varied. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Anderson along with the alpha brass. Ron belonged to the Alexandria Elks, the Alexandria Eagles and had served as a Board member of the Alexandria Community Center. He was a recipient of the Alexandria Good Samaritan award. He was also a member of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. He loved golf and was an avid collector of older cars, especially Corvettes. As a young boy, Ron enjoyed going to Shafer Lake in Monticello. Later, he took his own kids there where they enjoyed many summers. In June 2024, Ron was able to go around the lake for one last time. So many areas of life and our community have experienced Ron Beard, now his leaving will create a void that will be hard to fill. Stand down Ron "Day is done."
SURVIVORS:
Wife-Deanne (Weaver) Beard-married July 24, 1960
2 Daughters-Diana Sayre (Greg Kyle) of Alexandria, Chris (Wayne) Nelis of Greenwood
Sister-Karen (John) Prough of Camarillo, California
Grandchildren-Drake (Claire) Sayre, Makenzi "Kenzi" (Zach) Humes, Madison Nelis, and Andrew Nelis
Step Grandchildren-Jennifer Goodnight, Jaime Rinehart, Jerod Nelis
Great-Grandchildren-Reagan Sayre, Anson Sayre and Chase Humes
Step Great-Grandchildren-Gabby, Vivian, and Kassi Goodnight; Preston and Corinne Nelis
Nephews and Nieces-Steven (Sarah) Prough, Greg Prough, Andrea (Joe) Stafford, Angela (Bill) Anderson
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
Services honoring Ron's life, legacy and faith will take place at 10 am on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Owens Funeral Home, 412 North Harrison Street, Alexandria. Interment will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria with Patriotic Honors accorded by the Elwood VFW Honors Team. The Beard family will receive friends at the Owens Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm or on Wednesday after 9 am prior to the service. The Alexandria Elks Lodge will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow at 7:30 pm Tuesday evening in the funeral home to close the visitation hours.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Athletic Department of Alexandria-Monroe High School, 1 Burden Court, Alexandria, IN 46001 or envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The Beard family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Caregivers at the Alexandria Care Center and Keystone Hospice for their compassionate care of Ron and his family.
Online condolences:
www.owensmemorialservices.comPublished by The Alexandria Times-Tribune from May 12 to May 14, 2025.