Samuel Garland Beard, 79 of Dieterich, passed away at 9:51 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Island Grove with burial in Dieterich Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with a 6:30 p.m. parish prayer service. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Garland was born December 11, 1933 in Dieterich, the son of Samuel and Velma (Lybarger) Beard. He married Mary Lou Ludwig on April 28, 1956 and she preceded him in death in 2007. Garland served an enlistment with the U.S. Army and was a retired farmer. He was also a member of the St. Isidore Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Island Grove.

Garland is survived by his daughter, Cindy (Mike) Westendorf of Dieterich; two brothers, Raymond of Cuba, MO and Edward (Wanda) of Sigel; sister, Clara Belle Beard of Sigel and two grandchildren, Samantha and Patrick Westendorf.

Garland was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mary Lou.