CAROL L. BEARD

Carol L. Beard, 75, of Republic passed away Wednesday, June 14, 2023. She was born Dec. 1, 1947, in Carthage to Charles and Mildred (Hern) Green. Beard married Kenneth Beard at age 17, right after high school. They were married until his passing in 2000, celebrating 35 years together.
Beard graduated from Hillcrest High School, Springfield, in 1965. She worked at Lily Tulip cup factory and later DAYCO, retiring in 2009.
After Kenneth’s death, Carol became reacquainted with a childhood friend, Ronnie Martin. They met in junior high school and were friends through high school. They became very close friends and became life partners. They were together for 13 years.
Beard is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Kenneth; and two sons Kevin Beard and Kent Beard; a brother Chuck; and three sisters Marilyn, Joan, and Charlene.
Beard is survived by her life partner Ronnie Martin; her daughter Kimberly Curnutt and her husband Joshua; a granddaughter and a grandson.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 5, 2023 Meadors Funeral Home, Republic.