William E. "Ed" Beard

1938 - 2025

William E. "Ed" Beard
Born: November 17, 1938 in Chicago, IL
Died: October 19, 2025 in McHenry, IL
William E. "Ed" Beard, 86, of McHenry, passed away on October 19, 2025 at The Courtyard assisted living in McHenry.
He was born November 17, 1938 in Chicago, the son of Robert and Mary (Long) Beard. He married Arlene M. Buyer in 1957 in Chicago.
Ed was a veteran, serving in the US Army and Naval Reserves from 1957 to 1960. He was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict. He was a resident of Wonder Lake for 20 years where he served as the President of the White Oaks Bay Homeowners Association. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge, Shriners Club and the Mason Lodge. Ed enjoyed flying, square dancing and was an avid Harley enthusiast and a member of the McHenry County Independent Riders Motorcycle Club.
Ed owned and operated many business ventures during his life and was an accomplished salesman.
Having lived in Wonder Lake and Woodstock for decades, Ed and Arlene moved to Dyersburg, Tennessee to enjoy their retirement. Most recently, they moved back to McHenry to be near friends and family. They traveled the world, going to Alaska, Europe and China.
He is survived by his children, Mary Beard, William "Bill" (Sheila) Beard Jr., John (Susan) Beard, Susan (Daniel) Cooney, grandchildren, Lauren Beard, Tim Busby and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Arlene Beard in 2022 and a brother, Bob Beard.
A gathering of friends and relatives will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL from 10:00 am until the 11:30 am memorial service. Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock.