Kenneth William Beard

Kenneth William Beard, 72, of W. Main Street, Princeton, and formerly of Bramwell, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at the Christian Care of Winfrey Lane in Princeton. Born on November 4, 1941 in Welch, he was the only child of the late Bill Beard and Helen Evans Beard Collins. He is survived by his wife, Billie Jean Foster Beard. He was a graduate of Bramwell High School, attended Bluefield College and West Virginia University. He worked for Commercial Credit, mercer County Bank, and retired from First Century Bank of Bluefield. Ken loved the Town of Bramwell and was instrumental in having it placed on the Registry of Historic Places. He served many years as Town Recorder and later as mayor. He was Chairman of the Bramwell Foundation and worked tirelessly on the Main Street Project and the funding and building of the Depot Complex. He served on the Board of West Virginia Culture and History and Chairman of the Coal Heritage Trail Association. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 6:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Rev. Steve Rector officiating. Friends may call on Monday from 5:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bramwell United Methodist Church. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.