Robert Earl Beard

Robert was born in Birmingham, AL on March 5, 1936, to the late Willie Lee and Mary Etta Beard. The Lord called him home on August 25, 2026, saying "time to come and rest". He was preceded in death by his parents, 4 siblings and step-son, John Wolf.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Jo, 2 sons, Mikearl (Phyllis) and Rickey Beard, Birmingham, AL, 6 daughters, Linda (Booker) Hobbs Kansas City, MO, Cassandra (Christopher) Martin, Brighton, AL, Michelle (Michael) Vason, Deborah Johnson, LaTonja (Carl) Briggins, Birmingham, AL, Charissa Jarmon Minneapolis, MN, step-son Jeffrey (Heather) Wolf Elk Mound, WI, special acquired son, Dean (Elizabeth) Peterson Butternut, WI, sister Willie Nell Larkins, Shorewood, IL, 25 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and many friends and neighbors.

Memorial Service at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 9th, at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel, 3888 West Broadway Avenue, Robbinsdale 55422. Visitation beginning one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Lunch will be served immediately following the service. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Please arrive at the cemetery no later than 9:45 AM and meet in Assembly Area #2. 

Bob served for three years in the Army training for active duty for the Korean War and later in Alaska testing equipment for military use in cold weather. Upon moving to MN in 1969 he was employed for 25 years with Westinghouse Elevator Company, later Schindler, doing elevator installation and repair. Bob loved taking care of his yard and home and working in his garden. After his retirement in 1994 he did furniture repair and finishing and upholstery from home. Everyone looked forward to his annual garage sale. Bob loved his van and the many camping trips he and Mary made to northern MN and WI. He will be greatly missed.