Byron Gale "Barney" Beard

Byron Gale “Barney” Beard, 88, of Benton went home to be with his Savior on Monday, December 27, 2021.

He was born on September 11, 1933, in Whittington, IL the son of Gale G. & Leota (Johnston) Beard.

He married Shirley Ann (Adams) Beard on June 13, 1952, and she survives.

In addition to his wife Shirley, Barney is survived by his daughter, Kathy and husband Rob Hutchens of Ewing, two grandchildren, Wade Martin Hutchens and Cole Robert Hutchens, and his sister, Debby and husband Mark Stirneman of Benton, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, and daughter Tammy Beard.

Barney served in the U.S. Army during Korea, stationed in Germany. He worked as a coal miner for Freeman Coal, Orient #3, served as president of the Local Union, was a member of the State of Illinois Miner’s Examining Board, and then ran a successful auction service until his retirement. Barney also enjoyed owning and training thoroughbred horses. Barney accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior in the 1950’s, and attended the Ina Free Will Baptist Church in Ina.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, December 31st at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Bro. Brad Ryan officiating. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the Ina Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

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