Vernon Don Beard
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Vernon Don Beard of Port St Lucie, FL, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 at his residence in Port St Lucie, FL.
Vernon Don Beard was born April 6, 1936, in Dale, IN to Floyd and Loretta (Wellmeyer) Beard. Don attended a one-room school in rural Warrick County and later moved to Chandler, IN where he attended Chandler Elementary School. While attending Boonville High School Don lived with and worked on his grand-parents dairy farm. After graduating from Boonville, Indiana High School in 1956 he joined the United States Navy.
In 1958 Don was on leave to attend his brother, Dwight's, wedding and reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Reda Dell Heath. The family had two weddings that week. After their marriage Don and Reda resided in Norfolk, VA where Don served as an Aviation Electronics Technician in a Military Air Transport Squadron. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Navy in 1960, Don packed up Reda, their two children Kevin and Donese and enrolled at the University of Florida. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and remained a life-long Gator fan.
After working a number of years, Don and Reda formed Comtec Systems, Inc. in 1979. Don was very successful in his work and patented a number of his inventions. In 1994 he was listed as one of the inventors of the Proportional Control Valve for Patient Support Systems. Reda was a huge reason the business was so successful but in 1997 they made the decision to sell Comtec Systems and retire.
After moving to Joe's Point in Stuart FL. Don was captain of his personal water craft. Don and Reda also resided in Hiawassee, Ga where they lived in the summers. They enjoyed their many Georgia mountain friends. When a simpler life was needed, they moved to The Brennity at Tradition Senior Living in Port St Lucie, FL where they lived the remainder of their years.
During his long life, Don had the gift of making the person he was with feel like the most important person in his life. He enjoyed the company of his family and friends whether it was while they were fishing together, playing Sequence or enjoying a good meal together.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his bride Reda in 2020, his son Kevin in 1992, his daughter Donese in 2006, older brother Gerald Dale Beard in 1998, younger brother Dwight Randall Beard in 2018, brother-in-law, Donald Bookmyer in 2017, sister-in-law Ruby Fisher Beard in 2010, step-father, Roger Fenneman in 1990 and step-brother Ron Fenneman in 2016.
Survivors include sister Brenda (Fred) White, brother-in-law, Kenny (Cowboy) Heath, sister-in-law Joan Beard, sister-in-law Betty Jo Bookmyer and step-sister-in-law Karen Fenneman. Nephews; Jerry Beard, Roger Beard, Scott Beard, Andy Beard, Randy Beard, Ronnie Beard, Aaron Farr, Kenny Heath, Rick Heath, Roger Fenneman and Michael Fenneman. Nieces: Cathy Jo Beard Webb, Joella Farr, Diane Farr Mathes, Donya Bailey and Debbie Lipinski.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, 3075 S Florida Ave. Inverness FL. Contact telephone number is 352-726-8323.
Those who wish to remember Don in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association which can be reached 24/7 by calling 800-272-3900 or through their web site at alz.org.