Cecil Sumner Beard, 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at his son's home.

Born Jan. 23, 1927, in Economy, Indiana, to Charles Sumner and Miriam Alice Hunnicutt Beard, he was a lifelong resident of Wayne County, Indiana. Cecil was a 1945 graduate of Economy High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Korea, Cecil was owner/operator of Beard Masonry from 1970 to 1993. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and was the 1998 Post Commander of American Legion Post #65. Cecil operated the American Legion balloon stand at the Fourth of July fireworks for 40 years. He enjoyed Richmond High School sports, IU basketball, Richmond Roosters, Richmond River Rats, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his children, Kitty Boyce (husband David) of Rochester, Illinois, Michele Fox (husband John) of Richmond, Ann Griffin (husband Stan) of Richmond, Sherry Fanelli (Barb) of Lost Creek, West Virginia, Kelly Derr (husband Brian) of Eldorado, Ohio and Mike Beard (wife Mary) of Richmond; 12 grandchildren, Sarah Boyce of Rochester, Illinois, Michael Beard/DeVinny, Benjamin Fox and Stephanie Raynor, all of Richmond, Matt Beard of Fishers, Indiana, Timothy and Joe Fanelli, both of Dayton, Ohio, Hannah Shook of Eldorado, Ohio, Luke Shook, Joseph, Kate and Bryan Beard, all of Richmond; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley J. Beard, in 1999; daughter, Cecilia Beard; brothers, Art, Lawrence, Russell, Charles, Bill and Allen Beard; sisters, Anna LeMaster, Mary Williams, Catherine Poole, Corinna Retherford and Ruth Beard.

Visitation for Cecil Sumner Beard was from 4-8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m, Tuesday, Oct. 12, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Todd Riebe officiating. Burial was in Economy Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Seton Catholic High School, 240 S. 6th St., Richmond, IN 47374; to Help The Animals, 2101 W. Main St., Richmond, IN 47374; to American Legion Post #65, For Fireworks, 109 N. 6th St., Richmond, IN 47374; or to Economy Alumni Association, c/o Barbara Short, 12139 Charles Road, Economy, IN 47339.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com