David Allen Beard
51, of Indianapolis, passed away July 10, 2013. He was born June 16, 1962, to Joseph B. and Judith M. Schuck Beard. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, David was a 1980 graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School, and he attended Indiana University. He was employed as a Family Services Counselor for Shirley Brothers Mortuaries for the past 6 years, and previously in sales with Nordstrom's for five years and the Style Store for 18 years.
David was a lifelong member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and an Eagle Scout of Arlington Heights Christian Church. He was in the AA Recovery and Mentoring Program for the past 18 years.
David was an avid gardener, and loved and collected penguins. He was an incredible man, larger than life, never met a stranger, had an incredible sense of humor, and most importantly a heart of gold. He was always willing to help anyone whether he knew them or not.
Visitation will be held Sunday, July 14, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Washington Memorial Chapel , 9606 E. Washington St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 7243 E. 10th St., with visitation one hour prior.
David is survived by his partner, Craig Rubel; mother, Judith M. Schuck Beard; brother, Thomas W. Beard (Jetta); sister, Cathy M. McAtee (Dennis); aunt, Janet Ries (Rodger); great-aunt, Ruth Justus; nieces, Jennifer M. McAtee, Cassie E. Cole and Melissa M. Beard; nephews, Jonathan D. McAtee and Matthew T. Beard; four great-nieces and great-nephews; and beloved dogs, Missie, Bear and Peanut. David's father, Joseph B. Beard, preceded him in death.
Memorial contributions may be made to Southside Animal Shelter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Craig Rubel & Cathy McAtee.
Kevin Rice
August 18, 2021
I went to Howe with Dave, and recall having several classes' with him, and jokingly called him Big lawyer, as he was intellectual, and would always share a humorous quip. I would stop by the Marathon gas station where he worked on 10th & Arlington, and make him check my tire's, and pay for 88 cent's of gas. I'm saddened that even though we only knew each other from high school, he left a lasting impression, as he was a gentle giant, with the best humor.
John Mitchell
October 11, 2019
David was a true friend, he was always there for me. He gave me a ride from the airport last time I visited Indiana at Christmas. That was the last time I saw him and my mother. I have 3.5 years clean we always went to the varsity for nosh after the meeting.
July 6, 2019
RIH. BOBBY
James Hubbard
August 8, 2013
I sadly regret that I didn't come to know you better and want you to know that you touched my life in a positive way. As Bruce's partner, I heard all the kind things that you did for those around you and for Bruce. Both of us will deeply miss your friendly calls each week and your great sense of humor. We will miss YOU!
Cathy McAtee
August 5, 2013
Happy 18th Birthday to you today on your sobriety. I miss you more than words could ever describe. Love ya, Cathy
Tom
August 3, 2013
May your light always shine as we look to the stars and wonder which one you are for we know you are the biggest Star we ever had in our lives! Love you lil Brother!
July 24, 2013
Craig, Judy, Cathy, Tom ,etc. I think of all of you every day and can't even comprehend how you're making it through every single day. The world doesn't stop turning, but thank God for the faith we have that we can talk to Dave in heaven and believe we will be with him one day. Love to all of you.
Shavaun
Craig Rubel
July 22, 2013
I love you and miss you very much. You completed me and made me believe in myself.
Yours Forever & Always,
Craig
Cathy Mcatee
July 22, 2013
Love you and miss you so much
Tory & Janine
July 16, 2013
To Craig and the Beard Family, We so sadden by the lost of such a great friend. We loved your silly jokes and wild and crazy posts on facebook, i well miss those. You always gave the best hugs, my big old bear hug! When I left Indy you and Craig were always though of. You well be missed my friend but the memories well stay around forever. Thanks for the words in and out of the rooms enjoy that big mtg in the sky! Our prayers are with you Craig and family.
Brian Clark
July 16, 2013
I just found out about David's passing and I am in total shock! My heart goes out to the entire Beard family and I will keep all of you in my prayers. I still very found memories of David and know he will be missed very much.
July 16, 2013
to the Beard family - the mass was a beautiful remembrance of Dave. Craig - thank you for your kind words and I pray God comforts you. I will miss Dave so much. Love to all of you. - Shavaun
July 15, 2013
Judy, Tom, Kathy & Craig,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will truly miss Dave's bear hugs and smile. I share in your deep pain and know that your all in my prayers.
Mary Ritter
Nancy Thompson
July 15, 2013
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss. You will always have wonderful memories. May God be with you and your family.
Connie Boon
July 15, 2013
Blessings to David's family and loved ones. Judy and Cathy, you are in my prayers.
Connie Boon
July 15, 2013
Blessings to David's family and loved ones. Judy and Cathy, you are I'm my prayers.
Francine (Goldey) Clothier
July 15, 2013
It has been many years, since I have seen David, but remember that friendly smile, and genuine carrying personality... he would come over and see how things was going when we lived next door, I will always remember his carefree attitude... to Judy, Tom & Cathy, he will always be with you in the beautiful memories he left you with.. God Bless You All
Debbie Bowers
July 15, 2013
Janet, Judy and family. I am so sorry to hear about David. I didn't know him well personally, but through Janet I know how much he was loved by all of you. Loss can be overwhelming, but know that the Lord will lift you up in the days ahead and He will surround all of you with His peace.
July 15, 2013
though it had been over 10 years since we worked together, you were a complete joy...your presence brought a smile to my face each and every day. you constantly went out of your way to make everyone feel great, a true inspiration as
to how to treat others.
??you will be missed??
July 14, 2013
David you were always so sweet and kind hearted. I was so blessed to have you as a friend. Will never forget all the fun we had as kids, from hide and seek to bon fires, Halloween and rolling down the hill in an old dryer drum. Great memories that I will always cherish. You will always have a place in my heart. Prayers and hugs to your family.
Ryan B.
July 14, 2013
Will be missed greatly
Bella and Connie
July 14, 2013
Dave you were bigger than life with your love, your smile, and your funny wit about you. Love and prayers to Craig, Judy and the rest. of your family. Peace be with you big Guy.
Marty Davis
July 14, 2013
Dave - you were a great man who I will never, ever forget and will think of with love and a smile. You touched my life in ways that hopefully you can see now. I loved working with you at Crown Hill. Your humor and silliness were legendary, as was your big heart and moral compass. You always knew how to treat people and you followed your heart. My deepest sympathies go to Craig, his mom and sister. I know Dave adored all of you.
I would be there at the visitation and funeral except for a death in my own family. I'm there in spirit and in love.
Rest in peace. And in happiness. And in all the wonderful ways that made you such a special and treasured gift to us all.
July 14, 2013
Long before we're ready we sadly say goodbye. Loving thoughts and prayers for your family. May God Bless you all and give you strength. Mike, Bev and Cory Schwab.
Cathy Mcatee
July 13, 2013
David words cant even come close to how much I love you and how much I already miss you. I dont understand why you had to leave us but I guess God has a plan for you. I need you to help me get through the next few days as I dont want Monday to come to say my final goodbye. I will miss you every day, every hour, every minute and every second. RIP my brother, my rock and anchor, my best friend. I love you more than life. Your loving sister, Cathy
Kelly Smith Guarnieri
July 13, 2013
My condolences to the many people who love David, no doubt a wonderful man. I remember David from my childhood, with good memories, as I remember the whole lovely family, who were our neighbors and fellow parishioners.
Carol & Maury Lathrop
July 13, 2013
To Judy and the entire family, our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of David. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 13, 2013
Sorry for you having to leave your family so soon,but GOD truly must have needed you for a special mission for him. Truly your sister loved you so much and will miss you every minute of the day.RIP, in support of your sister. Bobby D
Carol Cory-Studer
July 13, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Beard family. Grew up hanging out with David, Tommy, & Cathy playing bumper pool in the basement. My mom has always kept me updated on their lives throughout the years. So sorry your life was cut short. You were a big "teddy bear" and sounds like you touched a lot of peoples lives along your journey here. Rest with your dad & God now amongst the angels.
Karen McKinney
July 13, 2013
Craig, I am so very sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have Dave in my life these past 18 years. He was a man of tremendous character. He brought joy to our lives with his quick wit, wonderful laugh and great smile. Dave's willingness to help others has changed the course of many lives. Thus, his legacy lives on. I love you always dear friend.
Mike Hollowell
July 13, 2013
I worked with David at The Style Store and at Nordstrom. He was a special man, and I will miss him deeply.
Greg Wyciskalla
July 12, 2013
David was a kind soul with a great sense of humor. Proud to know him all my life.
July 12, 2013
Awww David=== way too soon. I have such great memories growing up with you and especially remember the horse you and Cathy had named Bill. I will never forget the times we spent at the Arlington Theater and your Dad getting us free popcorn and letting us watch some movies upstairs in the projector room. Sorry we lost touch as friends as adults but my memories of you, the Beard kids, the Higgins and Jan Wyscy. will always register strong with you in the forefront. God just got another angel to add to his ranks. Rest well good guy.
Lorraine Graham
July 12, 2013
Craig, my heart aches for you. I only met Dave maybe 3 times but knew he was someone very special to you and so many people. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Judd C.
July 12, 2013
Our Friend and Brother will be greatly missed. His wit glistened like the sun dancing on the surface of a deep, warm sea. I am blessed to have shared 13 years of life knowing him and there will forever be a void in our Sunday mornings. We'll keep a pot of coffee on for you Brother. Om.
John Mercer
July 12, 2013
It looks like you grew up to be the same kind hearted person as you were when you were a kid. My deepest sympathy to your Mother,Sister and Brother. May God receive you in his arms and grant your family comfort in this time of grief.
Susan Logsdon
July 12, 2013
Dave was a lovely human being. He had a giving spirit and a listening heart. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. RIP.
Lisa Fox
July 12, 2013
Dave will be sorely missed on this earth but heaven is rejoicing over his presence. Those that remain are held in love and light for respite from the pain of loss. Your wonderful memories will sustain you into the future. Much Love.
julie
July 12, 2013
Dave will truly be missed. He was such a positive bright spirit that always brought joy into the rooms. May the joy of his spirit ever be with you. Holding your family in my prayers.
Peggy Williams
July 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you Craig. My heartfelt thanks to David's family as this guy lived his wonderful life one day at a time. Whenever David and I visited together, his loving smile and hearty humor gave us another day of the good life. We will carry him in our hearts.
Connie Kelley
July 12, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Craig, Judy and the entire family. He changed my life forever. He will never be forgotten.
Janeen Weldy
July 12, 2013
Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Janeen Redmond Weldy
Jeffery Pollard
July 12, 2013
Peace be with you and yours, jeffery
July 12, 2013
Praying that God comforts you in this very difficult time. David was truly a blessing in many people's lives and will be truly missed. All my love and prayers to your whole family - Shavaun Trimpe
July 12, 2013
In our thoughts and prayers to you and your family Judy. Our deepest sympathies we love you Don & Debbie Mueller
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Funeral services provided by:
Shirley Brothers - Washington Memorial Chapel9606 E Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229
Indianapolis, IN

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more