Richard Lee “Byrd” Bearce, 73, of Abingdon, died at 2:54 a.m. Sunday, November 3, 2024, at home with family at his side.
He was born December 14, 1950, in Avon, the son of William Kenneth and Florentine Ursala (Lubinski) Bearce. He married Sue Curtis on February 5, 1969, in Abingdon.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Sue; two children, Stacy Bearce of Abingdon and Jeremy (Jeri) Bearce of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Jordyn (Tyler) Courson, Bryce (Robyn) DeJaynes, and Chloe (Joe) Bearce; six great grandchildren, Peyton, Cashius, Khloe, Clayton, Daxton, and Kenna; brother, Keith (Sharon) Bearce of Abingdon; five sisters, Dorothy Wright of Oquawka, Barb (Jimmy) Gardner of Bloomington, Richanda (Kevin) Peters of Cameron, Maggie Hillery of Abingdon, and Rita (Mike) Hall of Galesburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Josh Bearce; brothers, Frank, William Jr., and Robert Bearce; and sisters, Jo Ulm, Bertie Ford, Betty Rhodes, and Patty Johnson.
Byrd worked at the former Briggs Manufacturing Company in Abingdon for 29 years before their closure. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Cubs, and he enjoyed bowling. He also enjoyed gardening and was a movie buff. His most treasured time was time spent with family, whether it be visiting or playing cards.
He served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1971, stationed in Vietnam. In 2022, he was able to participate in the Honor Flight.
Cremation will be accorded. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Abingdon. Private family graveside service with Military Honors will be Friday in the Abingdon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
