Obituary: Clarence R. Beard

Clarence R. Beard Jr. entered into eternal rest on May 20, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memories with a host of family and friends.

Funeral services were held June 1, 2023, at St. John Baptist Church, 184 Goodell St., Buffalo. Interment was in Pine Lawn Gardens.

“A soldier,” “A husband,” “A father.” These are a few of the titles Clarence Richard Beard Jr. proudly wore throughout his rich and dynamic life. He is also a son, a brother, an uncle, grandfather, friend and hard-working colleague who loved being the life of the party and gracing those around him with bear hugs and the biggest of smiles.

Born April 1, 1949, in Buffalo to Clarence Sr. and Odessa Beard, “June,” as he was fondly and widely known, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps by the age of 19 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

He was awarded the Purple Heart as a solemn testament in recognition of his service. It is a symbol of his commitment and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and his countrymen and women, a distinction he was deeply proud of.

June subsequently devoted 34 years of his life working for Verizon, where he met his loving wife, Yvonne, whom he deeply cherished. They were married on July 2, 1994, and lived in matrimony for nearly 30 years before he was called home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing by his son, Michael (Felisha) Beard.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his children: Leroy, Felicia, Yonna (Joe) Spiranec, Christopher and Monet (Jeran) Jessie; his sister, Paulette; grandchildren: Nicholas Beard, Shel’bea Denose, Kristen Beard, Christopher Beard Jr., Dailyon Willoughby and Sky Abram; his nieces: Amanda and Nakeisha Beard; cherished extended family; and close friends, whom he considered his chosen family.