John Lewis Beard, Jr.

John Lewis Beard, Jr., born on October 15, 1938, in Palacios, Texas, in Matagorda County, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, in Waco. 

A graduate of Palacios High School, John's work ethic and determination were evident from a young age. He spent his teenage years working on the family farm when not in school and after graduating he entered the workforce. John married the love of his life, Barbara Courtney, in Austin, Texas on August 1, 1986. Together, they built a life, residing in Round Rock for several years before establishing their home in Waco, where they have enjoyed the companionship of each other for over 30 years.

John enjoyed being outdoors, frequently indulging in deer and turkey hunting, while also enjoying relaxing walks with his beloved Border Collies. An avid golfer, he enjoyed the times spent on the course.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of nearly 39 years, Barbara Courtney Beard; their daughters, Wendy Allison and her husband Jay of Spring, Miranda Hale and her husband Jim of Waco, and Sandra Harris and her husband Marty of Temple. John was also a grandfather to 10 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jack Beard, and sister, Barbara Johnson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John Lewis Beard and Edna Dee Tweedle Beard; his son, Troy Beard; his daughter, Nelda Lanfear; and his siblings, Bob Beard, Buck Beard, and Audrey Geron.

Visitation will be held on February 24, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, followed by a funeral service from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Waco Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Waco Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and caregivers and Compassus Hospice and to the staff at Royal Manor for the excellent care and compassion given to John.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to The Humane Society of Central Texas, www.humanesocietycentraltexas.org or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org