Funeral service for Jerry Duane Beard, 73, who died Sunday, January 1, 2012, will be held 1:30 p.m.,Thursday, January 5, 2012 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola. Burial with military rites will follow in the Belmont Cemetery, rural Milo, IA. Jerry was born March 3, 1938 in Winterset , Iowa the son of Clyde and Mary Jane (Janes) Beard. After High School he joined the United States Navy where he proudly served in the U.S. 6th Fleet aboard the mighty aircraft carrier USS Saratoga CVA-60. After his service in the Navy he met Karla Kay Trotter of Indianola. The two were united in marriage on November 8th, 1959 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, Nashua Iowa. From this union two boys and a girl were born; Duane, Julie, and Jason. Jerry was a foreman at Butler Paper Company and retired in 2000. Jerry enjoyed raising livestock, gardening, and working on his acreage. He spent a lot of time with his dogs Foxy and Minnie. He loved cooking and grilling for his family. Jerry was a fan of country music especially Johnny Cash. He was a jokester, a prankster, and generally had a great sense of humor. He loved his children and six grandchildren; Jeffery (Beth), Landon (Krista), Shelby, Justin, Kylie, Brennan and great granddaughter Stevie. Jerry and Karla enjoyed socializing with their friends and family, attending the state fair, traveling ,and spending 52 wonderful years together. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed. Jerry is survived by his wife, Karla; children, Duane (Pam) Beard, Julie (Brett) Kurth and Jason Beard; sisters, Wanda Johnston, Jackie (Dick) Wickett and RaeAnn (Ray) Hitchcock. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, at Overton Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials contributions may be given to the family in his name.