Mark “Shorty” Beard, 66, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.
A private graveside service will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Shorty was born on April 1, 1958 in Ottawa to Edward and Rosemarie (Damyen) Beard. He was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, class of 1976. Shorty worked at Libbey-Owens Ford for over 25 years. To know Shorty was to love him. He was a man of few words, with a heart of gold. Shorty was loyal to family and friends, always willing to help someone in need. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his mother, Rosemarie; six siblings, Mike (Gail) Beard of Ottawa,
Marty Beard of Ottawa, Tom Beard of Ottawa, Brenda (Rick) Herrera of Ottawa, David Beard of Ottawa, and Brian (Carol) Beard of Oswego; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; a brother, Steve Beard; and two nephews, John and Jason Beard.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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