Colonel John R. Beard, USAF (Retired), age 71, of O'Fallon, Illinois passed away in Belleville, Illinois. He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin to Guy R. and Mynette (nee Erickson) Beard. Colonel Beard retired from the US Air Force after 30 years of honorable service. He was a Vietnam Veteran, and was awarded the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. During his military career, he was Tanker and Transport Command Pilot, with 10,000 flight hours. At McGuire AFB, New Jersey, he was Chief of Staff 21st Air Force and Director of Logistics 21st Air Force. At Travis AFB, California, he served as Director of Command & Control 60th Military Airlift Wing, Commander 60th Field Squadron, and Chief of Maintenance 60th Military Airlift Wing. After his Air Force career, he was employed as Assistant Director of Community Programs at Lambert International Airport, St. Louis.

Colonel Beard is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nancy K. (nee Ware) Beard of O'Fallon, whom he married July 14, 1960; son Robert (Rosalina) Beard of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; daughter Laura Beard Aeling of St Louis, Missouri; son Jack (Mary) Beard of Cherry Hill, New Jersey; four grandchildren Daniel, Roberta, Shane, and Luke; brother Richard (Thea) Beard of Dekalb, Illinois; and his pets, of whom he was very fond, Otis, Milly, Molly, and Stormy.

His family requests in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations be made to Animal Protective Association, 1705 S. Hanley Rd., Brentwood, MO 63144.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 3, 2005 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home Chapel with Full Military Honors, Chaplain Janis Dashner, officiating.

Interment will be private.