In Memory
Deceased April 26, 2016, Kirkwood, Missouri.
Beard, Colonel (Ret.) Barry W. Passed away surrounded by his family at the age of 68 on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Beloved husband of 47 years to Barbara Beard (nee Boyd); loving father of Kristen (Steve) MacDonald and Penelope (Michael) Calawa; dear brother of Bruce (Nonie) Beard; loving grandfather of Boyd MacDonald; Hannah, Nicole and Ellis Calawa; dear son-in-law of Jane Macklin; caring Uncle and dear son of the late Robert and Lucille Beard. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, and a M.S in Engineering Management from University of Missouri-Rolla, he followed his love for flying with a USAF/ANG career of 35 years. During his military career, he held several leadership positions with the Illinois Air National Guard including Wing Commander of the 183rd Fighter Wing flying F-16s and the 182nd Airlift Wing flying C-130s. He started his career piloting F-4s in the Air Force, flying 192 missions in Vietnam and earning two distinguish flying crosses. His passions were his family, his dogs, traveling, beer making, wood working, riding his bike, growing jalapenos and being a Docent at the Smithsonian Air and Space museum. Services: Visitation, Sunday, May 1st from 2-5 p.m. at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, MO. Funeral service with full military honors and flyby at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Monday, May 2nd at 1:30 p.m. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to Best Friends Animal Society at: www.Bestfriends.org. Published on ObitTree.com.
Robert R Beck
Were it not for this posting I was not aware of Barry's passing. He was a childhood buddy also living on Hillard Blvd. Obviously, his profile shows a significant career with 192 missions in Vietnam as well as a leadership role in the Air National Guard. Rest in Peace old friend.
William Edward Schiefler
As Bob Beck stated, I was not aware of Barry's passing. The Hilliard Blvd area was deep with great guys. Barry and I did have a chance to "catch-up" at the 2015 reunion. God Bless You, Barry
William A McSweeney
What a shock. I chatted with Barry at the 2015 reunion and when I asked him what he had been up to he casually said that he'd been a jet pilot. He didn't give any indication of his long career with the Air Force and the Air National Guard. He was probably afraid that I would bore him with endless questions about flying jets. Rest in peace Barry.Kevin William Coombes
I, too, was surprised to read about Barry's passing. We did speak at the 50th and it was nice to briefly catch up. He gave no inclination about his illustrious career. He certainly was very modest. He also looked very well.
How sad that he has passed away at such a young age.
Constance Ann Alfano (Clausen)
How very shocking, had no idea of his passing. What a wonderful bio he had, which he never spoke of. A true RR hero. Rest in peace Barry.
William A McSweeney
I gotta start working on my Bio , so far it's 2 lines long..Good life Barry, now you really are soaring with the angels.