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Dec. 24, 1933 - April 28, 2012
Wesley Martin Beard, born in Kokomo on Dec. 24, 1933, to Wesley and Naomi (Woods) Beard, departed this earthly realm on Saturday, April 28, 2012.
Martin attended the Kokomo school system and enlisted in the armed forces in January 1952 and went on to serve in the Korean War, retiring in 1960. While serving his country, Martin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1954, specializing in demolition and construction. Martin was awarded the Legionnaire Award for Bravery by the American Legion Post 177 in August 1980.
On June 25, 1955, Martin was united in holy matrimony to Dorris L. Gaines, who survives.
In addition to his wife, other surviving family members are Nerissa Gibson, Kokomo; Kenneth (Susie) Gaines, Kokomo; Renee (Morris) Akins, Westchester, Ohio; Patrice Kimani, Anthony Beard, Marcus Beard, and Tinnie Cleaver, Kokomo; grandchildren, Carlos Gaines, Kyle Beard, Alexis Barbary, Jordan Beard, Bobby Freeman, Tinea Beard, Ohseona Barbary, Mikayla Beard, and Reis Beard, all of Kokomo; Julian Akins, San Bruno, Calif.; Jarrett Akins, Breona Akins, Westchester, Ohio; Lisha Brown, Cleveland, Ohio; and Darshania Strait, San Antonio, Texas; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Kevin W. Beard; sons-in-law, Peter Kimani and Bud Gibson; brother-in-law, Clarence Gaines; and sister-in-law, Emma Gaines.
Martin never met a stranger and truly enjoyed talking to people. He loved spending time with his family, taking pictures, taking care of his automobile and lawn work. His trademark was handing out crisp two dollar bills to his grandchildren and friends. Martin will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Services are 1 p.m. today at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St., Kokomo, with Pastor Lonnie Anderson presiding. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home.
Online messages of condolence may be made at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
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