Jimmy Beard

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Jimmy W. Beard was born January 5, 1931 in Hollister, Missouri, the only child of Len and Jewell (Goodall) Beard. He entered into rest on June 25, 2023 in Neosho at the age of 92. 

Jimmy was an educator and attended Southwest Baptist, 1949-1951 and the Drury University, 1951-1953, graduating with a Master’s degree in Education. He served his country in the U.S. Army, 1954-1956. 

 Jimmy served as Superintendent of the Blue Eye Public Schools for twenty-nine years. He was a teacher, a rancher, cattle broker and truckdriver. His hobbies were cattle and spending time with is grandchildren. He was a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church. 

On June 25, 1960 at the Blue Eye First Baptist Church, Jimmy and Ruth Cox were united in marriage and Ruth preceded him in death on December 18, 2019. 

Jimmy is survived by two children, Dr. Kenton Beard and wife, Racheal of Neosho and Kerry Lynn McManus (Jody) of Springfield, Missouri; four granddaughters, Mattie Beard, Reid Beard, Raegan Mailes and husband, Monty and Madisun Branstetter and husband, Chance; three great-granddaughters, Paisley, Lynley and Bailey and two nephews, Booker Cox and wife, Dana and Todd Cox and wife, Nicole. 

In addition to his wife, Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents.

At Jimmy’s request, he will be cremated and the family will hold a private service. Contributions in memory of Jimmy may be made to Sweetwater Baptist Church.