William Beard

Dr. William “Bill” Q. Beard, 83, died early May 2, 2015 after a long struggle with health issues. Visitation with family 5-7pm, Monday, May 4, 2015 at Downing Lahey Mortuary West. Funeral service 1:00pm, Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Bill was born April 10, 1932 to Wm. Quinby Beard and Geraldine Still Beard in Beaufort, SC. From an early age Bill was fascinated with the heavens and learned all about the stars and constellations making his own 14 telescope in order to study them better. He also loved chemistry and got a BS in chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill and a PhD in organic chemistry from Duke University. He has 18 patents in chemistry. He loved nature from the oceans to the mountains and was an ardent birder, with a life list of 750 birds. He and his wife, Nancy, belonged to the Wichita Audubon Society and loved birding together. Bill was a charter member of the Wichita Symphony Chorus, singing 1st tenor with them until just short of his 80th birthday. He was a faithful member of the FUMC choir. He was employed by Ethyl Corp, Baton Rouge, LA for 8 years, then moved to Wichita and worked for the Vulcan Corp. as a research chemist retiring after 30 years with them. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marian Pate and Naomi Case. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, of 57 years; two sons, Robert Beard (Julie) of Olathe, KS, Gary Beard (Mary) of Madison, AL; two grandsons, David Beard (Auburn, AL) and Thomas Beard (Meg); two granddaughters, Reilly Beard Schultz (Brent) and Madison Beard (Olathe); one great grandson Luke Beard (Auburn, AL); three nephews Henry Pate (Nancy), Charlie Pate (Nell), Mike Case (Alene); two nieces Alexa Ward (Wally) and Tracy Avinger (Randy). Memorials have been established in his name with First United Methodist Church Television Ministry, 330 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202 and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67204.