Billy Beard, (Sweet Old Beard), of McComb, Ohio, formerly of Chesterton, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009 at Bridge Hospice Care Center, McComb, Ohio. He was 80.

He was born April 25, 1928 in New Albany, Miss. the son of the late Rodrick and Katie (McCreight) Beard.

On June 22, 2002 in McComb, Ohio, he married Linda Rider, who survives.

He is also survived by four step-children, Mary (Rick) Hand, of Portage, Vanessa (Keith) Parker, of Chesterton, Tracy Ward, of Rocky River, Ohio and Gordon Rider of Ottawa, Ohio; two sons, William (Butch) Albert Beard and Scott Rodrick Beard; 10 step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren.

Bill was retired from US Steel Gary Works. He was a member of Moose Lodge #698 and VFW Post 9231. He was a former member of the Chesterton Moose lodge.

A private memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, McComb.

Posted 1/13/2009