Mark Aaron Beard

Mark Aaron Beard, 62, of Reeds Spring, passed away on Oct. 30, with family by his side. He entered this life on July 11, 1963, the son of Donald Beard and Sharon (Burney) Hilt. Mark was joined in marriage on Oct. 31, 2006, to LaDonna Jones. Throughout his childhood, Mark grew up helping his family on their farm near Mountain Grove. Early in life, Mark grew to love the outdoors and the beauty of God’s creation. As a young man, he worked for a printing press for a time, before settling down to do security work. With an adventurous spirit, he enjoyed spending time adventuring in the outdoors, nature photography, spelunking, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. Riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle gave him the freedom of the open road.  Mark’s passion for the outdoors was evident in his discussions of animal conservation and volunteering as a forest firefighter. He was patriotic, a strong believer in the Second Amendment, and a history buff. His favorite time periods were the Revolutionary and Civil War. Mark had a passion for helping others in need and bringing laughter to those around him. His quiet and contemplative nature served him well as he visited local cafes, meeting people everywhere he went. Mark especially enjoyed getting to know the staff and patrons at Steamy Joes’ Café in Branson, where he became like a member of the family. More than anything, Mark loved his family and cherished the memories they were able to create throughout the years. Mark made his life right with the Lord in the spring of this year and dedicated the remainder of his life to his savior, Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his birth father, Donald Gordon Beard; as well as his mother and “dad,” Sharon and Jerald Hilt, who raised him after the untimely passing of his father. Mark is survived by his wife of 19 years, LaDonna Beard; his children: Ian Beard and Zoe Beard, both of Reeds Spring; siblings, DeAnna (Jason) Davis, of Mountain Grove; Denise (Steven) Douglass, of Lebanon; and Russell (Kay) Hilt, of Sparta; sister-in-law, Sarah (Rodie) Cox, of Arizona; as well as several nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Maple and Main Event Center, 125 W 2nd St., Mountain Grove, Mo. 65711, with Jason Davis officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.