Edward "Gene" Beard

Edward "Gene" Beard, 89, passed away Thursday July 8, 2021. He was born September 8, 1931 to John Edward Beard and Bertha Ella (Parsons) Beard in Winfield, Kansas. Gene graduated from Udall High School in 1948 and continued to farm with his father until he joined the Army. He married Ethel "Chris" Syms in 1952 and they were married for 50 years until Chris passed away in 2003. They had four children together. Gene has been a lifelong resident and farmer of the Udall community and a member of the Udall Methodist Church. Gene also served on the Udall school board and the Sumner-Cowley Electric board. He was a member of the Wichita Consistory, Midian Shrine, and Mulvane Masonic Lodge.

Gene was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart in June 1953 for during the Korean War.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Chris; daughter, Rhonda; parents, Ed and Bertha Beard.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl McDermeit (Steve); son, Mike Beard (Jana); son, Ronald Beard (Marsha); Partner and best friend, Ednamerle Cody.

Grandchildren include Shane Shaffer, Jenna Shaffer, Shelby (Garrett) Miller, Logan Beard, John (Abby) Beard, Claire Beard, Ross (Amanda) Baker, Krista (Brian) Hutton, Tyler (Addie) McDermeit, and Bree (Ben) Carns.

Great grandchildren are Taylor Emery, Brock Miller, two additional "soon to arrive" great grandchildren, Eli Hutton, Kamdyn, Hutton, Parker Hutton, Sawyer Hutton, James Hutton, Charles Baker, William Baker, Rex McDermeit, and Isla McDermeit.

Gene will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be 1pm to 8pm with the family present from 5pm to 7pm Sunday, July 11, 2021. Funeral service will be 2 pm Monday July 12, 2021 at the Udall High School Auditorium, 301 W 4th St, Udall. Burial will follow at the Udall Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions have been established with the Udall 4-H Club, the Udall Historical Society, and the Plane of Mercy - Midian Shrine Center.