Henry Franklin Beard , 80, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center following a fall at his home.

Born on December 23, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of the late George W. and Kathryne (Mowery) Beard.  Growing up in the Larwill area, he completed his elementary education at Larwill and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964.  He continued his education, taking some college courses.

On June 29, 1974, he was united in marriage to Deborah E. Garee.  They made their first home in South Whitley then moving to Columbia Twp., Columbia City.

Working in management, Henry worked for Precision Plastics and then for Indiana Die Molding, Fort Wayne.

He liked to ride dirt bikes and fish the local lakes.  He also enjoyed camping, canoeing, and hunting.   In the wintertime, he rode snowmobiles.  Always up for a good card game, he liked to play poker or 500 Rummy.  He will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Deborah; children, Marcia (Darren) Didier of Owenton, KY, Tracey (Art) Easterday of Huntington, Charyl Beard of Portland, OR, and Richard (Michelle) Beard of Leesburg; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a sister, Rosie Jane Treesh.

The funeral service is at noon on Saturday (May 31st) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Park Cemetery.  Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Henry's honor are to the Whitley County Community Foundation.