Obituary for Gary Beard Sr.

Ponca City Now - November 18, 2017 9:29 am

Gary W. Beard Sr.

(October 9, 1947 – November 17, 2017)

Gary Wayne Beard Sr. of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Friday evening, November 17, 2017, in the Alliance Health – Ponca City at the age of 70 years.

Gary Wayne Beard Sr. was born on October 9, 1947, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Robert Kelly and Opal Marie (Smith) Beard. He grew up in Blackwell and attended Blackwell Public Schools. Following his education he entered the United States Navy serving during the Vietnam War. After his discharge he returned to Blackwell and began working at the Blackwell Zinc Company. He married Anna Sue McKinnis on August 11, 1973, in Ponca City and they settled in Tonkawa where he began working as a roughneck in the oilfields. In 1989 they moved to Ponca City to make their home. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and American Legion in Ponca City. He enjoyed music, dancing, camping, fishing and cheering for the Oklahoma Sooner and Oklahoma City Thunder. His greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren play sports. He also enjoyed laughing and teasing people. He loved his wife and desired good things for everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Anna Beard of Ponca City; four daughters, Stacie Beard Cunningham and husband Scott, Misty McKinnis Beard, Bridget Beard Howe and husband Trey, and Tammy Beard; two sons, Gary Parker Beard and wife Brenda and Darin Chace Beard; several siblings; and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Ronnie Beard; and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22nd in the Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with James W. Roberts officiating.

Honorary casketbearers will be Kyce Beard, Tallen Beard, Landon Howe, Keaton Red Leaf, Conner Frame, Kenny Beard, Mark Beard, Glen Beard, Jimmie Beard, Mike Tah and Emit Coleman Jr.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for cancer research in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.