LEONARD HAROLD BEARD “Hinnie” was born October 24, 1918, in Decatur, Nebraska to C. Fred and Della Kate (McRary) Beard. He passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at Oakland Heights Nursing Home in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 92 years.

A graduate of Decatur High School, Leonard entered the U. S. Army February 25, 1942, serving in the 505th Parachute Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division.  He was in military campaigns including North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Normandy, Rhineland, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded two purple hearts, good conduct medal, distinguished unit badge and the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged on October 25, 1945.

On December 23, 1945, Leonard and Frances Hovendick were united in marriage at Walthill, Nebraska. To this union three sons were born, Lonnie, Gary and Mike. Hinnie was the barber in Uehling and Lyons for many years.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Decatur Restoration Branch, Uehling American Legion Post No. 196 and Lyons VFW Post No. 7998.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Kate Beard; brothers, Kenneth and George Beard; sister, Lauretta Larsen.

Survivors include his wife, Frances of Lyons; sons, Lonnie and wife, Debbie, of Herman, Nebraska, Gary and wife, Nancy, of Uehling, Nebraska and Mike and wife, Paige, of Omaha, Nebraska;  six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; brother, Bill Beard of Rockford, Illinois; brother-in-law, Kenneth Larsen of Decatur; sister-in-law, Kay Smiley of Fort Collins, Colorado.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, January 22, 2011, 2:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Decatur Restoration Branch, Decatur, Nebraska.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur with Military Honors by the Robert Klase VFW Post No. 7998 and Harvey Lenig American Legion Post No. 83 of Lyons.

VISITATION: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4 - 8 p.m.with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service all at Pelan Funeral Home in Lyons. Visitation Saturday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: The Church of Jesus Christ Decatur Restoration Branch, Decatur and the Uehling Park and Auditorium Fund.