Alfred William Beard

Alfred William Beard, 87, a lifelong resident of Wilson County, Kansas, died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at his farm. He was born February 25, 1923 in Wilson County, the son of Roy William and Mabel L. (Marlett) Beard. Alfred served in the United States Army March 9, 1943 to December 5, 1945, receiving four bronze service stars and a purple heart. His tour included Normandy, The Rhineland, Northern France and Central Europe. He was a farmer and also worked various departments at General Portland/Lafarge Cement Company for 24 years, retiring in 1986. On June 5, 1946, Alfred married the love of his life, Sybil A. Manning. She preceded him in death April 24, 2007. Alfred was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church in Fredonia. He was affectionately known as "the old man on the bus" for the Wednesday evening children"s church bus ride. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., American Legion and Disabled American Veterans and the American Rifleman"s Association. Alfred loved to hunt deer and was known for his abilities of trapping and skinning. He also enjoyed searching for treasures with his metal detecting equipment. Most recently, Alfred, with the help of Sharron Lambert, wrote a book about his war experiences, entitled "At Dawn". He was a wonderful story teller and his words brought the book to life. Alfred is survived by: One daughter: Donna Dowty of Butler, MO Three sons: Thomas Beard of Locust Grove, OK Delbert Beard of Bristow, IA Dwight Beard of Fredonia, KS 12 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret Ferguson. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 16, 2010 at the First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Ray Pile officiating. Burial will be in the Weakley Cemetery near New Albany. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Thursday evening, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer"s Foundation and those may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.