Joseph Robert "Bob" Beard

Joseph Robert "Bob" Beard, 85, of Idaho Falls, formerly of Driggs, died on his birthday, Friday, Sept. 7, 2012.

Bob was born Sept. 7, 1927, in Idaho Falls to Joseph S. and Sara Delila Stanger Beard. He was a member of the LDS church.

Bob helped his father cut logs and worked in the timber and on the ranch. He spent the summer of 1945 working with his dad's oxen on the movie set of "Bad Bascum." He was drafted into the Air Force that fall. He was stationed in Orumaguama, Japan, with the 5th Air Force. Bob was a good mechanic and became an instructor in airplane mechanics. He was proud of his military service and loved his country.

After his discharge, he worked at the OK Tire Shop in Driggs, and then began working as a heavy equipment operator. During this time, he worked on projects all over the Western states and helped build the Palisades Dam.

Bob and Teresa Hoskins were married at his parents' home in Driggs on June 23, 1959.

Bob left construction work and began working at a service station in Idaho Falls, which he eventually bought. He ran a successful auto repair shop and also sold automobiles. In 1972, he sold his business and went back into construction until the fall of 1974, when he suffered a major heart attack while working on the Ririe Dam.

After his health improved in 1977, he began driving a charter bus for the Teton Stage Lines, meeting many interesting people and seeing the country. For several years, he and Teresa spent winters in Arizona managing an RV Park.

He loved old cars and camping and fishing and hunting. He loved his grandchildren.

His health began to fail in the past few months, and on his birthday, Sept. 7, 2012, after enjoying his favorite meal, he suffered a heart attack and passed away in his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sorely missed.

Bob is survived by his wife, Teresa; daughter, Margaret "Maggie" Morgan and her sons, Michael John (Whitney) Morgan and Matthew Joseph (Ashley) Morgan, and their father, John C. Morgan; daughter, Linda (Jim) Rigoulot and their children, James Rigoulot and Ann Rigoulot; daughter, Kathy Fitch and sons, Jason Nukaya and Justin Fitch, and daughter, Kelcie Fitch; daughter, Krisann Hughes and son, Brett Mark Hansen and his fiance, Erica McKay, and their children, Caden and Shelby, and son, Dustin Joseph Hughes and his daughters, Ada and Addison Hughes, and Dustin's father, Rod Hughes; sons, Billy (deceased) and David Briggs; Bob's siblings, Bill (Leona) Beard, Lyle (Trixie) Beard, Gloria (Newel) Kimball and Janie (Buzz) Rasmussen; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at the Tetonia LDS church, with a viewing from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Valley Mortuary, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday prior to services. Internment will be at Cache-Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho, with military rites by American Legion Post 95.

Condolences can be sent to the family at valleymortuarydriggs.com.