Brian Beard

A celebration of Brian Beard's life will be held Saturday, January 31st at 1pm at the Kay

Theater in Rockdale, followed by a meal and a toast with family and friends next door at the

East Bell Taphouse. Brian Beard, 51, died suddenly on 1/1/26 at home while doing what he

loved – grilling steaks for his loved ones, having a beer, and enjoying the sunset.

Brian was born in Kemah, Texas to Patricia Beard James and Marvin Beard. He was the

youngest of 5 siblings and big brother to two half-brothers – all of whom with he had special

bond. Growing up in Austin, TX, Brian met his wife Curah in 1990 when they attended

Crockett High School together. In 1997, these beloved companions vowed their forever

devotion in celebration with their families and many lifelong friends. In the joyous years

that followed, Brian and Curah raised their sons, Bruce and Brett Beard, in the home in

which Brian and his siblings had grown up which Brian & Curah had purchased from his

mother in 1995. Much love and memories were enjoyed under that roof.

In 2016, Brian, Curah and their boys relocated to Lexington, Texas, and became involved

with the Kay Theater in 2020. With fond memories of stage acting in school theatre and as a

former movie projectionist, Brian saw the potential of The Kay and became President of the

Kay Theater's nonprofit board in 2022. With the support of his family and friends, Brian

poured passion into reinvigorating the historic downtown theater making it an inviting

space for all to enjoy. Brian never imagined the great many friends who would become

family which he would meet through The Kay and getting involved in the local community.

Brian cherished many adventures over the years with his family and friends, whether they

were attending concerts, vacationing at the beach, rv-ing, going to sporting events, or

cooking together. No matter what the mission – even if it was work – he greeted every day

and every task with his larger-than-life approach and found a way to make it fun.

Brian was known for his big hugs, giving his whole heart, and always standing ready to help

all those around him. Brian would want others to remember him in that way and to

continue living their lives with the exuberance and high standards by which he led his life. In

his final act of service, as an organ donor, Brian's ultimate gift will help dozens of others.

Brian was fond of movie quotes – even from unlikely sources. One that comes to mind and

embodies the seeds of positive change he has planted in all of us is "The light shines even

though the star is gone".

In lieu of flowers, Brian would want donations to be made to The Kay Theater so that his

friends and family can continue the work of bringing movies, music and fun activities to The

Kay, as he had so loved doing as President of the nonprofit. www.kaytheater.org