Erdie Beard

Erdie Beard, 93, of Fame, Oklahoma, peacefully passed away on October 8, 2025, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Born on February 13, 1932, in Enterprise, Oklahoma, he was the cherished son of John Henry and Mennie Cora (Alverson) Beard.

Erdie graduated from Quinton High School in 1949 and honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service, he ventured to California to work in cotton gins but later returned to Oklahoma where he was employed by Brewer McMichael while residing in Warner. In 1971, he moved to Fame, Oklahoma, contributing his skills to JC Cornell Construction in the construction of Highway 69 and I-40. He later joined Jensen Construction, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

Erdie married Lorene Boatmum. They were married for thirty-four years. Lorene preceded Erdie in death. Erdie later married Neoma Lee (Ingram) Mitchell on September 26, 2003 in Arkansas. They were happily married for twenty-two years.

Erdie is survived by his devoted wife, Neoma, son, Tommy Mitchell, and wife Sandra of Checotah. He leaves behind daughters Donna Bedford of Longtown, Regina Burns and husband Roger of Eufaula, and Johnnie Young also of Eufaula, a son in law, Pat Gawf, as well as a sister, Dean Eakle of Enterprise. He was a proud grandfather of twelve grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mennie Beard; his first wife, Lorene, daughters Lona Gawf and Betty Ingram; and sisters Avo Earl Walker, Bonnie Sue Dimock, Hazel Audrey Basden, Shirley Rose Holley, and Jodie Purdom and grandsons Charlie Ingram and David Wagnon.

Graveside services honoring Erdie's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Mountain Home Cemetery with Minister Bobby Smith officiating. The family is being assisted by Hunn, Black & Merritt Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be offered at www.hbmfuneralhome.com.