David Michael Beard, 69, of Oneida, Illinois, passed away at 3:17 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022 at home with his family by his side.
He was born March 27, 1953 in Galesburg, the son of John E. and Donna J. (Page) Beard. Dave graduated from Galesburg High School in 1971 then attended Carl Sandburg College. He married Jerilynn Wright on November 18, 1988 in Ocala, Florida. Throughout his life, Dave worked at Gale Products, Lowes, JB&D Siding and then for BNSF as Maintenance of Way for 15 years, retiring in 2018. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Henderson Township.
Dave was a jack of all trades and had a great sense of humor. He was always there to lend a helping hand. In his free time, Dave loved listening to music, playing the bass guitar, and riding his Harley-Davidson. He also enjoyed carpentry work, gardening, and harness racing. Dave was a member and past Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #894 in Galesburg for 13 years. He was of the Christian faith.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Jerilynn Beard of Oneida; two daughters, Heather (Shane) Skiles of Rock Island, Illinois, and Laura Beard of Galesburg; two step-sons, Robert Bullock of Chillicothe, Illinois, and Benjamin Bullock of Corpus Christi, Texas; and six grandchildren: Damon Deweese, Braxten Hawkins, Brantley Hall, Brayden Hall, Christian Bullock, and Milla Bullock. He is also survived by three sisters: Julie (Leonard) Bolon, Kathy (Greg) Loveless, and Linda (Claude) Goodman, all of Galesburg; one brother, Gerald Beard of Holdenville, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Mark Beard.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Galesburg Elks Lodge #894, 1640 N. Henderson St. Galesburg, Illinois, 61401. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
