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PO Box 796, 1700 South 15th Ave, Ozark, MO 65721
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Roy & Esther Beard September 3, 1932 - April 23, 2023

Date of Funeral

April 27, 2023

After 69 years of marriage, Roy and Esther Beard passed away peacefully within a few hours of each other on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in Copper Rock Village. Roy Edward Beard, 90 was born September 3, 1932 in Gainesville, Missouri, the son of Dennis and Nancy (Strong) Beard. Esther Mae (Ervin) Beard, 88 was born December 1, 1934 in Milford, Illinois, the daughter of Lee and Elizabeth (Waterstraat) Ervin. On March 27, 1954 Roy and Esther were united in marriage and to this union two daughters, Mary and Nancy, were born. Prior to their marriage Roy enlisted in the United States Army, serving 20 years before being honorably discharged. While enlisted they enjoyed being stationed in many beautiful locations from Alabama and Georgia to Maryland and New Jersey, but Okinawa was always a favorite. In 1971, Roy and Esther made their family home in Ozark, Missouri where they continued to live for the past 52 years. Roy and Esther were faithful members of the Sparta church of Christ where Roy was an elder. In addition to caring for her home and family Esther was a dedicated volunteer to the Girl Scouts, she just received her 45-year pin. Together Roy and Esther enjoyed camping and hiking during their travels to Colorado. When given the chance Roy loved spending time playing golf while Esther enjoyed spending her time in the kitchen cooking.

Roy and Esther are lovingly survived by two daughters, Mary Cockrill and husband Chris and Nancy Wiggins and husband Bryan; four grandchildren Jeremy Wiggins, Tiffany Hendricks and husband Ryan, Ben Cockrill and Brad Cockrill and wife April; five great grandchildren Hailey, Ian, Lydia, Kaia and Kelce; Roy’s sister Maxine Keith; Esther’s sister-in-law Shirley Ervin; many nieces, nephews and loving church friends.

Roy and Esther were both preceded in death by their parents, Esther was preceded in death by a sister Dorothy Demith and two brothers Lawrence and Donald Ervin.

Family graveside funeral services for Roy and Esther will be held 10:00 am Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery with full military honors under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, April 26, 2023 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Sparta church of Christ, Fair Haven Children’s Home, or Least of These food pantry. Online condolences may be shared at  www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com

Condolences(7)

  1. REPLY
    Kelly Long says

    I got to know the Roy and Esther at church, they were always encouraging, and there every service. i received cards in the mail, birthday gifts and tons or love and support. I am happy to know they are together for eternity, and I will see them again one day.

  2. REPLY
    Jim and Mary Ervin says

    Nancy,Mary, and family
    So very sorry to hear of Aunt Esther and Uncle Roy’s passing. I always enjoyed the visits and talking to them both. What a true sign of love that they chose to stay together, with Uncle Roy following Aunt Esther to Heaven.

  3. REPLY
    Kay Cheaney says

    Nancy, Glad you loved, enjoyed and were able to visit your parents often. They raised a wonderful daughter who gives so much to others.

  4. REPLY
    Lionel Daugherty says

    Wonderful couple. May God comfort the family during this time of sorrow.

  5. REPLY
    Mark Goodrum says

    Our condolences to your family. Bert and Mark pray for the family and may you all have peace in the arms of the Lord.

  6. REPLY
    steve and janet says

    our 32 year friendship with roy and esther has sadly come to an end, but the memmories will last forever. two wonderful people have joined their souls to continue on a new journey together. our condolences to the family.

  7. REPLY
    Diane Anderson says

    Thinking of you, Nancy.

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