Russell "Russ" James Beard

Russell “Russ “James Beard, 60, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022.  He then rejoined his beloved wife Carol and parents Clinton Leroy Beard and Olive McAvena (Doreen) Beard. Born in Williston, North Dakota, Russ spent much of his adult life in Columbus, Georgia.

Russ met Carol Lee Fokken in 1982 when both worked at Citi Card in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  They were married in 1989 and blessed with 31 years of marriage until Carol’s death in 2020.  Three children were granted to their union and survive them:  daughter Christina (Tina) List and husband Tom (Altamont, Kansas), and sons Christopher (Chris) Michael Beard and Dominic LeRoy Beard (Columbus, Georgia).  Russ also leaves behind two young grandchildren whom he dearly loved, Louis List and Stephanie List.

From the Beard family he is survived by siblings and spouses Glenn (Annette) Beard, Gloria Beard Jordan (Marvin, deceased), Linda Beard, and Wayne Beard (Marie), and surviving sisters-in-law Nancy Beard, Charell Schillo and many nieces and nephews.

From the Fokken family he is survived by in-laws Mike (Monnie, deceased) Fokken, Denny (Mary Beth) Fokken, Mary Griffith, Steve (Rhonda) Fokken, and Pat (Neili) Fokken, and many nieces and nephews.

Russ was a quiet and studious man who loved the outdoors. He was an avid model aircraft flyer.  He enjoyed amateur radio.  Russ also faithfully served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 300, Boy Scouts of America.  Many young men were taught how to cook and clean by Mr. Russ.  He loved to surprise them by designing creative meals that are still talked about by his former Scouts.  A great joy of his life was the awarding of Eagle Scout to his son Chris.

The Beard family was at the center of his life. He served them by providing for them.  By God’s grace Russ pushed past many challenges and persevered.  His last position was with MasterCard, working remotely from Columbus, Georgia as a Senior Technical Programmer.

A celebration of life services will be held at a later date. A Requiem Mass will be conducted in June of 2023 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Russ’ ashes will then be interred with his beloved Carol’s at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.