Charles E. Beard of Marion
Charles E. Beard, 81, passed away at 6:10 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017 at Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion.<br />Charles was born on Dec. 20, 1935 in Perry County, the son of Harley and Myrtle (Rackley) Beard. He married Anita Dillow in Old Du Quoin on Aug. 11, 1973. She survives in Marion.<br />Prior to his retirement, he had worked as a supervisor at a container factory. He was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church. Charles was a Shriner. He enjoyed woodworking, NASCAR, camping, traveling in his RV, and spending time with his family.<br />Survivors include: his wife, Anita Beard of Marion; daughter, Theresa Johnson of Du Quoin; son,<br />Lybrand (Kathy) Beard of Du Quoin; stepdaughter, Cheryl (Steve) Tuma of Breckenridge, Texas; stepson Duane (Linda) Cerney of Delhi, New York; six grandchildren, Rebecca Johnson, David W. (Betty) Johnson II, Bryan (Hillary) Johnson, Pamela (Eddie) Pursell, Derek (Tiffanie) Beard, Cally (John) McGrath; great- grandchildren, Jessica, Daniel and Kassie Long, Savanna, Kayley, David Elijah William and Jerzee Johnson, Addison and Edie Purcell, Bo and Beckett Beard; step-great-grandchild, Mariel McGrath; brother Robert Beard of Lee Summit, Missouri; and two special cats, Freddy and Lucy.<br />Charles was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and two brothers.<br />Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. John Hackmann officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Monday at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.<br /> For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.