Joe L. Beard, 77, passed away on Thursday September 17, 2009 at his home in Princeton, In. He was a lifetime resident of Princeton. Joe was a member of the First General Baptist Church in Princeton. He retired from Potter and Brumfield. He was the Patoka Township Assessor for 44 years. He was in his 2nd term on the Patoka Township Board. He retired after 20 years from the Indiana National Guard. Joe was a member of the VFW #1147, Prince Masonic Lodge #231, and the American Legion Post 25 all of Princeton.

He was born on December 4, 1931 in Princeton, In. to Henry & Laura (Adkins) Beard, both deceased. Also preceding him in death was his wife of 57 year, Phyllis Sue Beard in 2007; 6 brothers, Ray, Earl, Paul, Bill, Bob and Melvin Beard; twin sister, Ann Kwilinski; other sisters, Lois Beard, Gladys Welt and Vella Thompson.

Joe is survived by his 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Michael & Kristi Beard of Jupiter, Florida and Dan & Pam Beard of Princeton; 4 grandchildren, Jeff (Teresa) Beard, Leigha (Phil) Reinbrecht, Christopher Abbott and Angie Yoder; 1 great grandchild, Phineas Yoder; nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday September 20, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton with the Pastor John Stepp officiating. Burial will be at the Columbia "White" Church Cemetery in Princeton, In. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. There will be a Masonic Service at 8 PM on Saturday. VFW Post #1147 will provide full military rites at the cemetery.