"I echo all that has been said about Mr. Beard / Mr. Spartan and share my heart felt condolences with his family. A man deserving respect he will always be Mr Beard to me. I still have a hand written letter from him that says how much he enjoyed the football kickoff pep rally. It meant a lot that he took the time to hand write something that could have easily been dictated to his secretary. He meant so much to so many. R.I.P."
– Allison Thomas - Trumbull, Friend,
Feb 04, 2020
"Mr. Beard was very special to a lot of us Lakeview High School Alumni, wether he taught us in class or not. He and his wife Marlene were special to Chapel Hill UMC also. He had a personality that wouldn't quit. He
will be missed by all those who had contact with him. RIP Mr. Beard."
– Pat Kronlein, Friend,
The Villages, FL, Feb 02, 2020
"Gary Beard, my stepbrother and good friend, is now gone from our midst. He will certainly be missed by so many in Lakeview Spartan Land where he served and inspired for more than 61 years. I will miss him for so many reasons, but mainly because he was such a caring and wonderful human being. Gary was a great man of much humility who positively touched countless lives.
There has been such an outpouring of support for Gary and his family this week because Gary or Gerald, as his mother, Evelyn, used to call him, was such a grand person. His life revolved around giving to others especially youth. He had a big and strong heart which pushed him into much school and community involvement resulting in a body of lifetime work which benefited so many and still continues to do so.
Gary will be missed and fondly remembered. In his more than 86 years, he made a difference. He made such a big difference in so many lives. He was truly a man for all seasons, a man for all people.
Marlene and family, grasp strongly to your faith. We are all children of God. God loves each of us. And, therefore, we shall never really die. Take heart! Gary Beard is still living somewhere. He never really died. He only passed on to some other better place. May God always bless you and your loved ones.
Tom Dunton, Battle Creek, Michigan"
– Tom Dunton,
Battle Creek, MI, Jan 31, 2020
"So sorry to hear about Mr. Beards passing. I have great memories of him from high school. Super fun trips when he and Mrs. Beard would drive us to games in the Spartymobile!
We are out of town, but sending prayers.
Susie (Franklin) Behnke Class of 1981"
– A friend,
Jan 30, 2020
"Marlene, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hattie Lewis and my family"
– Hattie Lewis, Family,
Battle Creek, MI, Jan 30, 2020
"Gary was a wonderful man. He did so much for so many and asked nothing in return. Our sincere prayers and condolences go out to the Marlene and family. Lakeview and the entire community will miss him dearly."