Robert Beard

Robert “Bob” Beard, 66, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on Friday afternoon, June 17, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, in Iowa City.

Funeral services were held on Friday, June 24, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. He was laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery.  Full military honors were presented by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #839 and by American Legion Posts in the Marshalltown area. A memorial fund is being established. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com.

Bob came into this world on Feb. 1, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, the only son of Bill and Nancy (Bown) Beard. He graduated from the Ames High School in 1968. He attended ISU and Boone Community College. He served our country honorably in the US Army National Guard, retiring in 1991 from service.

He met the lovely young Connie Foshe at King’s Food Host while “scooping the loop” in Ames. The two were united in marriage on May 20, 1972. Soon after marriage, the couple moved to Marshalltown where he began a career with Sears at the Marshalltown Mall. Upon their closing, he was able to pursue a true calling in life- the automobile. Bob was employed with Mike Manning Chevrolet, later becoming Clemons. He retired in 2012.

He was a passionate member of Optimists International and served as president of the group. He enjoyed fishing, boating, being around the water, traveling, former Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader, car clubs, his 57’ Chevy, car shows, 50’s music, supporting activities and events of the Special Olympics with Rob, and his love of art that would help inspire Nick. Most of all, he treasured his family and every waking moment with them. In death Bob continued to keep giving by being an organ and tissue donor.

Left to cherish his memory are Connie, his loving wife of 44 years; sons, Robbie, of Marshalltown and Nick (Debra Moore), of Marshalltown and their daughter, Ajna; sisters, Connie (Gary) Fontana and their children, Jeff and Becky, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Cathy Joel (Greg Roberts) and daughter, Malea, of Englewood, Fla.; and brother and sister-in-law, Earnie and Lyn Foshe, of Ames; as well as many friends and other family.

In death, Bob rejoined his parents and grandparents.