Richard Beard

Richard J. "Rick" Beard, 79, of Noblesville, IN, died peacefully on March 17, 2025, after a long illness.

Rick was born in Indianapolis on January 20, 1946, to William Irvine Beard and Mildred Hannigan Beard. He attended St. Joan of Arc Elementary School and was a proud 1964 graduate of Cathedral High School. He will be fondly remembered by his classmates for his sense of humor, his infectious laugh, and the care he took in keeping in touch throughout life.

A United States Veteran, Rick served in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Vietnam era. He spent much of his time in the Air Force in remote areas of Alaska, which may help explain why his favorite vacation destinations were coastal South Carolina and Bermuda.

Rick spent the majority of his career in the banking industry and called on every part of the State of Indiana. As he neared retirement, he switched gears and became a courier for transplant and clinical materials for MidAmerica Clinical Laboratories. Rick's natural gifts for making friends and being easy to talk to shined through in his professional life.

A constant throughout his life was a love of classic automobiles, including his cherished 1950 Hudson Commodore and the bright red Corvette he always wanted and finally got during the last years of his life. The Hudson was very finely refurbished largely by Rick, as he had a knack for repairing everything under the sun and making it look and perform like brand new. Rick was ecstatic to drive a very special bride and groom to their 2005 wedding in the Hudson.

Being a husband, father, and grandfather were the great joys of Rick's life. He and his wife Suzie each brought a son to their union in 1995 and they enjoyed a lot of time together at Raccoon Lake, the site of their wedding and the home of Suzie's parents, Jack and JoAnne Huber. In recent years, Rick's four beloved grandsons lit up his life with their visits to Papaw and GiGi's house and several vacation trips. Rick spent a lot of time laughing with the boys and enjoying their company.

Rick is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan (Huber) Beard, son Tyler Smith, daughter-in-law Allison Smith, and grandsons Gavin, Everett, Corbin, and Grant Richard. His nieces Pam Bailey, Paula Kelly, Linda Morgan, and nephew Todd Beard, held a special place in Rick's heart and he was close to them and their children. Rick also had an extended family and many friends who will miss him very much. He was preceded in death by his son Timothy R. Beard, brothers David (Vicki) Beard and Fred Beard, and nephew Joseph Beard. His canine companions Puddles, Maxi, and Riley, and his numerous parakeets met him at the Rainbow Bridge.

A family calling and celebration of life will be held at Harry Moore Funeral Home, 8151 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46250, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 4 pm. The location was special to Rick and all are welcome to share stories and memories. Memorial donations in the name of Richard J. Beard can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Family Foundation at https://www.mdff.org/ and/or Progress House at https://www.progresshouse.org/.