Charles William “Charlie” Beard, 84, of Beaumont, died on Thursday, June 7, 2012.

Charlie Beard – The Panhandle of Texas breeds hardworking, honest folk. They love and respect the land and each other Charlie Beard brought these traits to Southeast Texas when he moved to Woodville to go to work for the Boy Scouts of America. He had proudly served his country in the Navy, and began helping raise his two daughters. Like Abraham, he followed his call to serve. 

As a professional with the Scouts, he organized, raised money, trained, and touched the lives of many young men. He loved camping, and his daughters learned the fine art of the outdoors….reluctantly. He poured himself into the scouting movement; and retired as Field Director and Area Advisor to the Order of the Arrow. Charlie was awarded the Distinguished Service Award at National OA Convention in 1992. Known as “Mr. Charlie”, there are few Scouts of that era who didn’t benefit from his teaching, discipline, and sense of humor.

Charlie was a long time member of the Kiwanis Club.  He rarely missed a meeting or a meal with these wonderful friends. And could he sing!!! Charlie sang in high school, church choir, and scouts; and a tenor who shared his talent whenever the opportunity presented itself. Most of all he loved singing with Emmaus and Kairos. After attending the Walk to Emmaus, Charlie found his calling in a ministry to prisoners called Kairos. To that end, he worked tirelessly and brought many to love Christ as much as he did.

‘Grandpa’ or ‘Poppy’ were his favorite titles of all. His eight grandchildren were the light of his life. His eyes twinkled and his unique sense of humor kicked in when they were around. They were his greatest joy.

In 1985, he and Cleo married and began a wonderful twenty-seven year relationship that combined two families. They met singing in the choir at Trinity United Methodist Church. A church they loved and served together. 

He is survived by his wife, Cleo Beard; daughters, Charlotte Bush and her husband, John; Donna Knowles and her husband, Chip; Jennifer Smith and her husband, Kirk; and Angie Davis and her husband, Wylie; grandchildren, Ashley and Jesse Warren, Nathan and Jordan Knowles, Kaleb and Karson Smith, and Colton and Brandt Davis; many many friends and family members; and most importantly, his beloved dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald; and the mother of his children Eleanor.

A special thanks to Dr. Linda Ray, Dr. R. Talukdar, and Odyssey Hospice.

A gathering of Mr. Beard’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 10, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 11, 2012, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or to Three Rivers Council Boy Scouts of America, 4650 Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas  77705.