Obituary for Bob Beard Sr.
Robert Gale “Bob” Beard, Sr., age 82, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at his home in Jefferson City, Mo.
He was born on October 7, 1940, in Du Quoin, Ill., a son of Harley and Myrtle (Rackley) Beard. Bob was one of eight children growing up in a small Illinois town. His family moved to Missouri in his teen years, and he graduated from Kirkwood High School. Bob was an accomplished athlete and his hard work on the field earned him a football scholarship to attend college. He later began working in a drug store in Hannibal, Mo., which is where he met the lovely Donna Sue Pflum. He and Donna were united in marriage on February 13, 1960. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2009. Bob and Donna had a love that transcended time and broke through all barriers. It is without doubt that they are together again.
Bob had a passion and skill for cooking. He owned and operated Mr. Bob’s Family Restaurant in Palmyra, Mo. for many years with his wife and son by his side. The restaurant gave Bob an outlet to serve others and hone his craft by creating delicious new dishes and preserving family recipes. Upon moving to the Jefferson City area, Bob accepted a position with the State of Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind where he enjoyed doing meaningful work.
Bob was a modern-day cowboy at heart. He loved all things western, including the music he listened to, shows he watched, men he revered, and the clothing he wore. He was often found watching or listening to old cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and sporting his famous fringed shirts. He was stylish and had quite the wardrobe. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent many summer weekends at various campgrounds around Missouri finally buying a lot at Wildwood Campground and unhitching the camper for good. His granddaughters will hold memories of nature expeditions with Grandpa, a bluegrass festival, and a trip to Mount Rushmore.
Bob was a man of faith and become more spiritual with age. He believed in the good book and like most cowboys lived his life with quiet faith. He showed his Christian heart more than he spoke on it. He helped others when they needed it, he fed the hungry and led the blind. He lived a life of boldly showing love to people and wore his heart on his sleeve. Bob will be dearly missed by the family he was so proud of. In the words of Roy Rogers, “Until we meet again, may the good Lord take a liking to you.”.
Survivors include: his three granddaughters, Ashley Henderson and her husband, Dorian, Heather Hoff and her husband, Ryan, and Madison Beard; and six great grandchildren, Luke, Sophie, Harrison, Abigail, Marshall, and Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his son, Robert Beard, Jr.; one infant granddaughter; and seven siblings.
Bob’s family will be holding private services to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
He was born on October 7, 1940, in Du Quoin, Ill., a son of Harley and Myrtle (Rackley) Beard. Bob was one of eight children growing up in a small Illinois town. His family moved to Missouri in his teen years, and he graduated from Kirkwood High School. Bob was an accomplished athlete and his hard work on the field earned him a football scholarship to attend college. He later began working in a drug store in Hannibal, Mo., which is where he met the lovely Donna Sue Pflum. He and Donna were united in marriage on February 13, 1960. She preceded him in death on October 13, 2009. Bob and Donna had a love that transcended time and broke through all barriers. It is without doubt that they are together again.
Bob had a passion and skill for cooking. He owned and operated Mr. Bob’s Family Restaurant in Palmyra, Mo. for many years with his wife and son by his side. The restaurant gave Bob an outlet to serve others and hone his craft by creating delicious new dishes and preserving family recipes. Upon moving to the Jefferson City area, Bob accepted a position with the State of Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind where he enjoyed doing meaningful work.
Bob was a modern-day cowboy at heart. He loved all things western, including the music he listened to, shows he watched, men he revered, and the clothing he wore. He was often found watching or listening to old cowboys like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers and sporting his famous fringed shirts. He was stylish and had quite the wardrobe. He enjoyed being outdoors and spent many summer weekends at various campgrounds around Missouri finally buying a lot at Wildwood Campground and unhitching the camper for good. His granddaughters will hold memories of nature expeditions with Grandpa, a bluegrass festival, and a trip to Mount Rushmore.
Bob was a man of faith and become more spiritual with age. He believed in the good book and like most cowboys lived his life with quiet faith. He showed his Christian heart more than he spoke on it. He helped others when they needed it, he fed the hungry and led the blind. He lived a life of boldly showing love to people and wore his heart on his sleeve. Bob will be dearly missed by the family he was so proud of. In the words of Roy Rogers, “Until we meet again, may the good Lord take a liking to you.”.
Survivors include: his three granddaughters, Ashley Henderson and her husband, Dorian, Heather Hoff and her husband, Ryan, and Madison Beard; and six great grandchildren, Luke, Sophie, Harrison, Abigail, Marshall, and Russell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his son, Robert Beard, Jr.; one infant granddaughter; and seven siblings.
Bob’s family will be holding private services to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.