Aaron William Beard

Aaron William Beard was born in Pennsylvania on March 13, 1979, the 10th child of Margaret LeMoyne Blinn and Melvin Joseph Beard. When he was born Margaret's heart failed and there was a lack of oxygen in his brain, which resulted in severe cerebral palsy for Aaron. Doctors did not think that Aaron would learn to walk or talk. Defying expectations, Aaron did learn to walk and although he could not talk in sentences, he learned to communicate his wants and needs through pictures, gestures, signs and a few words.
At the age of five (1984) the family moved to Phoenix. Aaron attended Sweet Water Elementary and Cortez High School. Despite his handicaps Aaron enjoyed independence and was known to cause an uproar when he scooted himself farther than anticipated on his blue rabbit scoot bike. When Aaron was eleven (1990), his mother, Margaret, passed away. It was difficult for him to comprehend his loss, but his Dad, sisters, especially Heidi, and brothers stepped up to fill the void in his life.
Aaron had a new champion when Melvin married Phyllis Hatch in 1993. Phyllis loved Aaron and introduced structure to his life. When he was about 17 (1996), the family moved to Cannonville, UT. Aaron finished his school at Bryce Valley High School.
Aaron moved to Cedar City at the age of 20 (1999). His care was taken over by Chrysalis. He quickly charmed his caregivers and became a favorite. He was cared for by the wonderful people at Chrysalis for over 26 years.
In 2007, Aaron was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In true action film style, Aaron battled the cancer with radiation/ chemotherapy and came out victorious! The radiation did weaken his bones and he suffered a crushed hip in 2008 that left him with a limp. This slowed Aaron down and kept him from some of the activities he used to enjoy. However, he was cancer-free until the end.
Aaron enjoyed the simple joys of life: tacos, ice cream, trucks, movies, friendship, and pretty girls. He loved laughing and early in his life, he had an easy smile and huge "Yay!" for greeting family and friends. He also had a stubborn streak and delighted in making his will evident.
Aaron was diagnosed with heart failure on May 30, 2025. The doctors thought that it would be a manageable condition. However, Aaron was readmitted to the hospital on June 4, 2025. He quickly suffered cardiac arrest and passed away.
Aaron is loved by many and will be greatly missed. His family finds comfort that he is now reunited with his Mom, Dad, Phyllis and sisters, Melanie Kau and Colette Bajan. He is survived by his sisters: Chalice Carpenter, Kim Pannell(Tim), DeLite Clegg (Carl), Michele Maxwell (Richard), Heidi Barrett (Adam) and his brothers: Joe Beard (Melissa) and Todd Beard (Kim Beham). He is also survived by his numerous nieces and nephews.