Harry Rolland Beard

Harry Rolland Beard passed to eternal life at 3:10 pm on June 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 16, 1933, in Peru, Indiana, the son of Catherine and LaVaughn Beard. He married Judith Kay Werner on January 17, 1959, at First Presbyterian United Church in Peru, IN.

Following graduation in 1951, from Peru High School, he joined the United States Navy and was stationed at Norfolk, VA. Harry was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1956, after serving four years of active duty on the USS Randall.

Harry met Judy in 1957 and they were married in 1959. The couple moved to Abilene, TX, to attend McMurray College where he had a full ride football scholarship. Harry and Judy started their family in Abilene with the birth of three of their four children.

Harry moved his family to Peru, Indiana, in 1965, he began working at Peru Utilities. He retired in 1996 after 31 years. Harry coached the Peru Little League Giants with Harold Schuler for twenty-five years. He was a member of Moose Lodge and the Maennerchor. Harry was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Rochester, Indiana, where he served as an Elder.

The love of his life, after his beautiful wife, was his children. His family was everything to him and he was the rock of our family. He was ‘Harry’ on the outside, but was the most gentle and loving man on the inside. He would do anything for anybody.

Surviving to cherish his memory in addition to his wife of 67 years are his children - Sheldon Beard (Deb Birner), Cathy Pingleton (Mark Pingleton), and Shannon Beard (Kim Beard). His son Shawn Beard (Michelle Beard-Washburn) is deceased. He loved fiercely all of his grandchildren Benjamin Beard (Beth), Beau Beard (Tara), Bridgette Bockover (Jake), Luke Primerano (Aubrey), Logan Primerano, Marshall Beard, and Harrison Beard. He also has 13 great-grandchildren that he loved and adored.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his three sisters, and his brother. He also mourned and missed every single day his beloved son, Shawn Beard, who passed away in 2007.

Harry will be missed by all those who loved him.

There will be a visitation at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, IN, on June 9th, at noon with a service at 1:00 pm.

The family has requested that remembrances be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 404 Jefferson St, Rochester, IN 46975.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

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