CALEB EDWELL "BUD" BEARD, age 86 years, died on Sunday, March 9, 2008 in his home in Delta, Pennsylvania. He was the husband of Erma (Krick) Beard, and on November 24, 2007 they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Beard was born on July 14, 1921 in Peach Bottom Township, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Caleb A. and Florence (Kilburn) Beard. He was a 1939 graduate of Delta High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 - 1945 in the European Theater where he received a good conduct medal, American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars. He also received the French Jubilee of Liberty Medal at the 60th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. Mr. Beard worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground as an artillery repairer until his retirement in 1977. He was a lifetime member of the John S. Murphy VFW Post #7130 in Delta, Pennsylvania and the Slate Ridge American Legion Post #182 in Whiteford, Maryland. He was a 50 year member of Friendship Lodge #663. F.&A.M., Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania. He was a life long member of the Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church where he served as secretary and treasurer of Sunday School for 50 years. He also served the church as a trustee for many years.

Mr. Beard was an avid gardener, loved growing and arranging flowers. He also was a very talented wood craftsman.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Four children-

Garry Allen Beard (Debra) of Delta, Pennsylvania

Kay Louise Sprenkle (Gary) of Airville, Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Albert Beard (Julie) of Felton, Pennsylvania

Shirley B. Overmiller (Barry) of Airville, Pennsylvania

Four grandchildren-

Lauren Beard of Saint Davids, Pennsylvania

Hannah Beard, Felton, Pennsylvania

Kyle Overmiller and Kelsee Overmiller, both of Airville, Pennsylvania

Two step grandchildren-

Rebekah Backhaus of Fawn Grove, Pennsylvania

Jason Smith of Delta, Pennsylvania.

A sister, Faye B. Milwid of Delta, Pennsylvania

Several loving nephews.

He was preceded in death by-

A sister, Eula V. Devine

Grandchildren: Kellan Nicole and Daniel Jacob Beard.

Services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2008 at Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church, 962 Flintville Road, Delta, Pennsylvania. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM with the funeral service beginning at 11 AM.

His pastor, Reverend Dennis L. McCleary will officiate.

Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery with military honors by the York County Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Mike Milwid, Gary Sprenkle, John Fantom, Barry Overmiller, Kyle Overmiller and Jason Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o Mrs. Dale Stewart, 450 Burk Road, Delta, PA 17314.