William "Bill" Nelson Beard

William “Bill” Nelson Beard, 82, of New Castle passed away June 27, 2017 at Methodist Hospital. He was born March 7, 1935 in Muncie, IN to the late Claudine D. and Varnell (Cramer) Beard.

He was a 1953 graduate of Muncie Central High School. Bill served in the U.S. Army from 1956 – 1958, where he was stationed in Colorado and Milwaukee then served in the Army Reserves until 1962. He had been employed by Ball Corporation and retired from Delco Remy in 1994 where he was a statistical process control operator. Bill was an avid science fiction fan and attended conventions all over. For many years, he played the keyboard with a band all over Muncie.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ann Beard of New Castle; children, Lisa Beard of San Francisco; Kris Beard of Muncie; Jennifer Steely of Fishers, Barbara Beard of Muncie; grandchildren; Luke and Josh Steely of Fishers, Dorian and Aaron Beard of Muncie; brother in law, Jim (LaRayne) Siegmann of Goshen; beloved cat, Maddy; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Services in New Castle with Pastor Tom McGilliard officiating. Burial will follow in Elm Ridge Cemetery in Muncie where Military Honors will be conducted by contingents of the U.S. Army. Visitation will be from 5 – 8p.m. Friday, June 30, 2017 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 324 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362. You may express condolences or share a memory of Bill at www.hinsey-brown.com .