October 12, 1943 - January 18, 2018

Thomas Beard, age 74, a resident of Sarona, died at his home on Thursday, January 18, 2018, with his family at his side.

Thomas was born on October 12, 1943, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to parents Alva and Edith (Hivley) Beard.  He attended Elementary and High School in Columbia City, Indiana.  On August 24, 1963, he was united in marriage to Earlynn McClure in Columbia City, Indiana, and the couple resided in West Lafayette, IN while Thomas was attending Purdue University. He graduated from Purdue University in 1965 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife Management.  The couple then moved to Bloomington, Indiana as Thomas was accepted into Indiana University where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Fisheries Management.  The couple moved to Spooner Wisconsin after Thomas’ graduation from Indiana University to work Fisheries Research Biologist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  In 1979, he received a promotion to Area Fisheries Manager and the couple moved to Cumberland, Wisconsin.  In 1999, they moved back to Spooner where he would serve as Geographic Management Unit Supervisor up until his retirement in 2002.  Thomas was a founding member of the Spooner Little League, and loved to fish.  He was also a Master Gardener, a talented Cribbage player, and enjoyed playing other card games. In his younger years, he spent time trapping, and later in life he enjoyed having coffee with his friends.   Thomas and Lynn became a race horse owner when on one Father’s Day, he won the Philly for a Fan Drawing at Canterbury Park.  Their horse went on to win its first race. 

Thomas is survived by his wife Lynn, children: Doug (Beth) Beard of Rockville, MD, Tim (Cindy) Beard of Bend, OR, Tawnya (Scott) Kieffer of Osceola, WI, 8 grandchildren: Zach, Matt, Ryan, Cameron, Andrea, Mitchell, Jacob, Madison, step great grandson, Grayson, and many nephews, nieces, and extended family and friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, brother Philip Beard, and step brother Don Beard.

A celebration of Thomas’ life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 2pm, at the Shell Lake Community Center.  A social gathering of Family and Friends will follow with light refreshments following the celebration until approximately 5pm.  Spooner Funeral Home is assisting the family during this difficult time.  

 In lieu of flowers or other gifts the family suggests making a donation in Tom’s name to the Spooner Senior Center or the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS.org)

Last Update: Dec 16, 2018 5:44 pm CST