James A. Beard

James A. Beard, longtime Mounds area resident, died Friday morning, October 31, 2008 at Rebold Manor in Okmulgee. He was 85 years of age. Mr. Beard was born August 6, 1923 in Beggs to C.P. and Lily (Irby) Beard. He married Retha Mae Anderson on June 3, 1942 in Sapulpa. Mr. Beard was a farmer, and in 1971 he received an Honorary American Farmer Degree from the Future Farmers of America. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mounds. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, a brother, Frank Beard, two sisters, Hazel Neely and Irene Clark, an infant grandson, Kevin Holden and an infant great granddaughter, Brooke Owens. Mr. Beard is survived by his children, Barbara Holden and husband Clyde of Beggs, Vivian Roberts and husband Donald of Mounds, Janette Maddux and husband Terry of Mounds and Jim Beard of Okmulgee, grandchildren, Jody Boone, Becky Wilson, Dianne Owens, Teresa Smith, Karen Roberts, Tim Maddux, Angie Porter, Pam Harvey, James Maddux, Matt Beard, Krissy Davis and Colt Beard, great grandchildren, Truby and Rusty Mackey, Kevin and Jordan Boone, Deni and Drew Creason, Blake and Dylan Owens, Bailey, Eli and Sidney Smith, Dakota, Mathew, Emily, Brody and Lily Maddux, Chelsea Barnham, Jenny Foutch, Jeremy Porter, B.J. and Megan Stevens, Samantha and Addison Maddux, Kennadi Beard, Dalton and Cooper Davis, and great great grandson, Skylar Barnham. He is also survived by many other members of his extended family and numerous friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Beard will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Mounds with Reverend Dick Knox officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery in Mounds. Casketbearers will be Matt Beard, James Maddux, Truby Mackey, Rusty Mackey, Blake Owens and Drew Creason. Friends may visit the funeral home from 1-8 P.M. on Sunday. Arrangements are under the direction of the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclendon-winters.com