Robert E. "Bob" Beard

Robert E. “Bob” Beard, 92, of McLeansboro, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Hamilton Memorial Nursing Home in McLeansboro.He was born in McLeansboro on Nov. 15, 1916, a son of James Robert and Agnes Emily (McDaniel) Beard. He married Doris Faye Metcalf on May 3, 1939, in McLeansboro. He was a welder for the railroad, retiring from the Burlington Northern Railroad in October 1976.Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will follow at Blooming Grove Cemetery in McLeansboro with military graveside rites by American Legion Post 106.Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Masonic services will be held at 7 p.m.Mr. Beard leaves to mourn one godchild and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.Mr. Beard was a member of Blooming Grove Church in McLeansboro, having served as trustee for 13 years. He served as past Master of the Masons, Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, Past Watchman of Shepherds of the White Shrine, and Past Royal Patron of the Order of Amaranth. He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shriners in East St. Louis. He also served 19 years as secretary of the Masons. He is an over 50-year member of the American Legion in McLeansboro and also is a member of the VFW in Carmi. Robert received the MSA Award from the Scottish Rite Bodies and served on the City Council for four years. Mr. Beard also transported patients for cancer treatments for 10 years.He was wounded in World War II and received the Purple Heart. He served in the United States Army in World War II and the Korean Conflict.Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of all arrangements.