Harold James Beard

Harold James Beard, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at Our Lady of the Lake on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the age of 84. He was the owner and founder of Beard Engineering and United Industries, as well as an inventor with over 20 global patents. Harold was a member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, and the founder of the Theotokos Foundation which supports seminarians studying for the priesthood. He was a devout Marian, praying daily. Harold is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 61 years, Florence Mariotti Beard; sons, Gary Beard and his wife, Diane, and Fr. Mark Beard; grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Nathan, Nicholas, Jacob, and Jon Beard; and sister, Mary Leggio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alonzo and Claire Beard; and brothers, Lon and Floyd Beard. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church on Monday, January 2, 2016 at 1 p.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 3 p.m. celebrated by his son, Fr. Mark Beard. Entombment will follow on the grounds of Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Theotokos Foundation, 1111 Colonial Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806, or Traditions for Tomorrow at Our Lady of Mercy School.