Duell Franklin Beard

Duell Franklin (Frank) Beard, of Clearfield, age 73, passed away July 27, 2009 from complications of a heart attack at Ogden Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

Frank was born in Providence, KY on September 7, 1935 to Aubrey Beard and Jessie Doss.

Frank married Jean Fraley on May 11, 1957 in Marion, KY. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Los Angeles LDS Temple on October 26, 1963. He always said that the day he was baptized into the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints on July 5, 1952 was one of the best things he ever did.

He is survived by his wife Jean of Clearfield, UT; his five children, 14 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two more on the way: Vickie (Roy) Thompson of Morgan, UT; their children Elaine, Erica (Brett) White, Rachel, Amy (Matt) Fry and their grandchildren Kayleb and Krystian Fry; Kim (Bill) Ekstrom of Meeker, CO; their children Michelle (Jim) Smith, Stacy (Jake) LeBlanc, Billy and their grandchildren Olivia and Ian Smith, and Zoey and Zeb LeBlanc; Deanna Beard of Hooper, UT; and her children Shane and Tara; Tony (Gerilyn) Beard of West Point, UT; and their children Taylee, Jace and Joshua; and Barry Beard of Clearfield, UT; and his children Bailey and Jaxon.

He is also survived by his brothers: George (Louise) Beard of Murray, KY; and Bobby (Charlene) Corley of Franklin, KY; sisters: Helen Loftis of Woodlake, CA; Dale West of Carney, OK; and Violet (Norris) Mahan of Clovis, CA; and sister-in-law Lucy Walls of Murray, KY; and also many nieces and nephews all across the country.

Also special to him were his wife's siblings: Barbara Fritts of Valparaiso, IN; Guy (Janie) Fraley of New Smyrna Beach, FL; Amy (Joe) Mitchell and Iva (Roger) Griffin of Henderson, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William Teague, Harold Walls, Don Beard, and Jack Beard and twin great-granddaughters, grandchildren of daughter Kim.

Frank loved to do family history research, not only for his own family but for anyone that asked. He had many special experiences while searching for his family and also others that he helped throughout the years. He was always preparing names for temple work.

Frank (known as Tog to his family) was also a wonderful musician and singer and loved all kinds of music, especially bluegrass. He was well known in the area for playing at rest homes, senior citizen centers and many ward events throughout the years. He even won a trip to Nashville, TN; for his singing. We will miss his cow songs, his voice, his smile and his love for all of us. Daddy Frank the guitar man has gone home.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 3, 2009 at the Clearfield North LDS Stake Center, 151 N. 1000 W.

Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery.