Obituary for John Beard

Ponca City Now - June 24, 2021 6:58 pm

John Keith Beard

July 2, 1951 – June 23, 2021

John K. Beard, former resident of Ponca City, OK, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in Tulsa, OK. He was 69 years old. A celebration of life will be held at Trout Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021 with Reverend Shelby Scott of St. Patrick’s in Broken Arrow.

John was born July 2, 1951 in Midwest City, OK and was the second oldest child of Mike and Beth Beard. He attended school in Midwest City, OK, graduating in 1969. He also attended Oklahoma State University, Rose State College, and Central State University.

He was married to Donna Martin on November 1, 1970. They were married for 50 years. John and Donna made their first home in Frisco, NC (Cape Hatteras) where John was serving in the US Navy. After John fulfilled his 4 year obligation, they returned to Oklahoma to Midwest City where their son, Bryan, was born.

They later moved to Ponca City where John was employed with Conoco. He retired from Conoco in 2002. In the summer months, he enjoyed eating his wife’s “fried okra” and “blue & gold sausage.” John was an avid reader. He loved books, especially anything by JRR Tolkien. His enjoyments were simple, such as feeding the birds and watching the flowers grow in their backyard.
John loved all the dogs they had through the years, especially “Gracie.”

John is survived by wife Donna, son Bryan Beard and wife Julie of Tulsa, OK, granddaughters Brady and Katie Beard of Tulsa, OK, sisters Esther Ruddell and husband Kenny of Tuttle, OK, Kathy Thompson and husband Dwight of Horseshoe Bay, TX, Sally Neiman and husband Mark of Leavenworth, KS, and brother-in-law Charles Martin of Clever, MO.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father Mike and Beth Beard, his dear sister Becky Hornbaker, his mother & father-in-law Charles and Lucille Martin, and his sweet sister-in-law, Louise Long.

Donations can be made to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 Fairview Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601

Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home