Jerry Robert Beard aka "Pops" "Papa" died peacefully on 11/29/2018 at the age of 77.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Petra Maria Beard, of Kent, Ohio; his loving children, Renee (Karen) Beard-Meldrum of Columbus, Ohio, Jerry Michael Beard of Reno, Nevada, and Joel Joseph (Sandi) Beard of Westerville, Ohio; and his grandchildren: Amber Douglas, Tayelore Douglas, Daniel Douglas, Hailey Beard, Macy Beard, David Hoffman, Aaron Hoffman; and his great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Aria, Tyler, Mitayah, and Saniyah Douglas.
Jerry was born on August 11, 1941, in Akron, Ohio, to Robert and Louise Beard, who preceded him in death.
He graduated from Wadsworth High School in 1960. He married Petra Maria Santana on June 16, 1962. After Jerry joined the Air Force, the couple moved to Petersburg, Virginia, where he completed his term of service, obtaining the rank of Airman 1st Class. They moved back to Kent and over the next 6 years the couple welcomed 3 children into their home, and at that time, he started working for R.J. Reynolds Filmco. He retired as a Production Scheduler in 1999.
His children remember him as a kind, firm, hard-working, family-oriented father who encouraged them to pursue their goals. He was a humble man whom might not have had financial wealth, but he made sure that his family was safe, warm, and fed.
Jerry was an accomplished bowler and loved to fish as often as he could. In his retirement, he finally got himself a fishing boat that he loved to take out on the water, until health restricted this most enjoyable activity.
He was Past Master, an active an dedicated member of the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, Phoenix Lodge 112.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jerry's life at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home in Wadsworth, Ohio. Calling hours are Wednesday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. and the Funeral service is on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to American Diabetes Association in his name. There will be a private burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
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