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Devant Beard, 84, of Garrison passed away on August 06, 2012 at his residence. He was born July 10, 1928, in Garrison to parents Carl Beard and Georgia Stokes Beard.
His service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, Nacogdoches, with Carroll White and Rev. John McGuire officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Springs Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 49 years, Doris Jean Beard; brother, James Beard.
Survivors include his loving wife Georgia Beard; daughter, Stephani Curbow and husband Hank; step-son, Don Welch and wife Tammy; step-daughter, Debbie Langford and husband Joe; grandchildren, Coady Curbow and wife Pam, Kent Curbow and wife Candice, Cassi Hairgrove and husband Collin, Brad Langford, Brent Langford and wife Lindsey, Natalie Welch, Elliott Welch; eight great grandchildren and two on the way; brother, Melvin Beard; sister, Louise Beard McCollister; numerous nieces and nephews.
Devant served 23 years in the United States Army as Chief Warrant Officer 4. Patriotism and love of his country was instilled in him. His last tour of duty was in Vietnam and while there he earned a bronze star. He then was employed by Texas Farm Products in Nacogdoches and moved up to vice president and retired for the second time after 24 years. While employed by Texas Farm Products he was a charter member of the Rotary Club, member of the TAB, served as president of the Texas Farm Credit Union, earned his Pilot’s license in Nacogdoches, and was a lifetime member of VFW post #3893.
He was a humble man, never wanting to be in the spotlight. He was loyal to whoever he worked for, dedicated to his work but ethics and honesty always had to come first. Many spoke of him as having great wisdom and knowledge- shared with others only when asked. Always a family man, a great storyteller, and fun-loving. He had a great wit and sense of humor. Very strong bonds were formed with his family and friends.
He was known to be competitive. In years passed he excelled in ping pong, bowling, and tennis-always giving each his best. Always an avid fisherman- enjoyed with his family and friends. His favorite fishing was in Leeville, Louisiana. In later and most recent years he was blessed with a very close group of friends, his Bradshaw coffee group, who gathered most early mornings to enjoy story telling and camaraderie. Relationships like those are so rare and so special. He will be greatly missed.
Pallbearers will include Mike Bradshaw, Kord Bradshaw, Dennis Lilly, Cory Lilly, Barry Webb, Mac Samford, Jack Griffin and Ray Rinker. Full Military rites will be offered by the US Army.
Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Heart to Heart Hospice, 209 Christi, Lufkin, Texas 75904. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.