Kenneth L. Beard, 94, Sugar Creek, MO, passed away November 11, 2021. Visitation will begin with the Rosary at 9 a.m. and continue until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 16, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Independence, MO. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery.

Kenneth was born July 20, 1927, in Stephens, Arkansas. After being valedictorian of his high school, driving a school bus and working in a sawmill, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1948 as a staff sergeant. He moved to Kansas City in 1949, working as an automobile mechanic, and served in the National Guard from 1949 to 1952. He married Gloria Mancini in 1953. Kenneth was an active member of St. Ann's Parish since 1959 as an usher, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and Knight of Columbus. He retired from the Ford Claycomo Plant in 1992 and was a member of the UAW.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his wife Gloria , infant daughter Vicki, parents John T. and Venona Beard, and sister Imogene. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law Michael, Ernie and Paula; grandchildren Angela Clasen, Nicholas Beard, Maria Hudson, Michelle Witkowski; and great-grandchildren Nikhil and Hensley.

Special thanks to caregivers Natalie Lane and Shannon Price.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com