| Graduation Year | Class of 1947 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 12, 2010 |
| About | Joseph L. Beard 83, of Rushville, IN, passed away on Friday, November 12, 2010. He was born in Rushville on July 16, 1927, the son of the late Lee Edward and Hilda (Farthing) Beard. He attended Rushville schools and graduated from Rushville High School in 1947. He married Mary Louise Cook, Aug. 14, 1948 and she preceded him in death Nov. 21, 2002. Joe was very active in athletics during his high school years and excelled in basketball and track. In 1946, Joe was Indiana High School State Champion in track in the broad jump. His Rushville record in that event still stands, even 64 years later. He was also honored with a membership to the prestigious National Star Athlete Society, the only Rushville athlete ever known to receive that national honor. Everyone knew Joe as the friendly "Pepsi man" having been employed as a delivery man for several years in the area. He later worked at Indianapolis Chevrolet Truck and Bus plant, retiring after 27 years. During his time there, he served many years as a union representative and was very much respected by those he represented. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. He and Mary enjoyed traveling and wintering in Florida, where they made many more friends. He is survived by two sons, Michael J. (Mary Ann) Beard of Rushville and Joseph L. Beard Jr. of Florence, Ky.; three daughters, Diana J. (Mrs. William) Todd, Sally L. (Mrs. Joe) Niedenthal, and Debra Cole, all of Rushville, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his four brothers, Bill, Jim, Sean, and John, and one granddaughter. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10 AM Monday, Nov. 15, 2010, at Todd Funeral Centre & Crematory 1600 S. SR 3 Rushville, IN with Pastor Mick Saunders officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington, IN East Hill Cemetery. Friends may call 2-6 PM Sunday, Nov. 14th at the Funeral Centre. The family asks that memorials be directed to the Arlington East Hill Cemetery Assoc. c/o Jeanie Martin, Tres. 4704N. - 980W. Arlington, IN 46104 or the Rush County Boys and Girls Club 1590 N. Sexton St. Rushville, IN 46173. |
