Richard Trenton Beard

RICHARD T. BEARDSTAUNTON, VA… Richard “Dick” Trenton Beard, 89, widower of Evelyn Elizabeth (Lightner) Beard of 1410 A North Augusta Street died Monday, February 22, 2016, in Augusta Health. He was born February 9, 1927, in Brownsburg, Virginia, the son of the late Trenton R. and Vivian (Strickler) Beard. After graduation from Brownsburg High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He also continued his education at Dunsmore Business College. Prior to retirement, he was employed at C & P Telephone Company for 40 years where he also enjoyed collecting old telephones. He treasured 26 years of employment with Henry Funeral Home. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church since 1948, where he was superintendent of Sunday School and served as an elder, trustee, and was a member of the choir. He was a proud member of the Beverley Manor Ruritan Club for 63 years where he also served as National Director, the Telephone Pioneers, and the American Red Cross.  He donated more than 6,000 hours as a member of the Augusta Health Auxiliary. He was a faithful servant to his family, friends, Augusta Health, and Henry Funeral Home. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Donald Beard; a sister, Winfred Marable; and a grandson, Erik Beaver. Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Richard H. and Sheila Beard of Staunton; three daughters and sons-in-law, Alexis B. and Conrad Beaver of Green Cove Springs, Florida, Susan B. and Paul Decker of North Chesterfield, and Ann H. Beard-Montague and Mark Montague of Portsmouth; four grandchildren, Heather Altman (Brady), Stacy Johnson (Troy), Justin Beard, and Will Decker;  five great grandchildren, Tyler Beard, Addie, Trenton, Wylie Johnson, and Lyla Decker.  A special friend and co-worker, Lindy Alexander. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 25, 2016,       at Henry Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2016, at New Providence Presbyterian Church by the Rev. John Peterson. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be the grandsons, great grandsons, Troy Johnson and Brady Altman. Memorials may be made to Augusta Health Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 and Second Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 175, Staunton, VA 24402 or to the SPCA, P.O. Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402. A special thanks to the doctors, nurses, staff of AHC, and The Legacy.