BEARD

David Beard was a self made man, who was proud of family, friends and employees who helped him achieve his success. He was the President and Leader of Great American Foods that always stayed true to the lessons he learned as a child about pride and hard work, which helped him become the successful entrepreneur many came to respect and love. David led the company and his employees through over 40 years of a successful business and provided careers for many employees an opportunity of a first job for so many more. He opened his first restaurant, David Beard’s Catfish Village, in 1969 on Highway 155 near Ore City, and the rest was history. He oversaw multiple restaurant concepts, food manufacturing, warehouse and logistical endeavors over the years. David learned his skills, not from school, but from hard work, determination and putting quality above all else. He was a builder and cattleman for many years and owned thoroughbred racehorses. He was a faithful and passionate Christian man that would share his beliefs with you as well as his opinion. David’s integrity in his business and personal life was an example to anyone who knew him. David was preceded in death by his parents, Dayton and Pauline Beard; his sisters, Margrey Sulivan, Kathleen Hall, and Bonnie Wood; his brother, Bruce Beard; and sisters-in- law, Mary Lou Berry and Ann Morgan. He is survived by his wife, Margie Durham-Beard; his daughters, Kathy Weeks and husband Jason, Dana Hitchcock, De-Ann Parrish and husband Fred, and Denise Beard; grandchildren, Tonya Spencer, Colt Spencer and wife Victoria, Fredi Parrish, Tanner Gibson, Taylor Gibson, Lane Hitchcock, Gavin Weeks and Madison Weeks; great-grandchildren, Lukas Enloe, Haven Benge, Logan Benge, Haley Benge, Colt Spencer Cohen Spencer; brother, Jerry Beard; sister, Lynda Beard-Davis and husband Billy Paul Davis; sister-in-law, Martha Sue Martin and her husband Ken; brothers-in-law, Jerry Berry and Wayne Morgan; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation was at Ore City Church of Christ on June 25 with services following the visitation and the graveside held at Coffeeville Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.reeder-davis.com.