Philip Wayne Beard, age 85, departed this earth on September 15, 2026, and went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on April 8, 1941, in Lecompte, Louisiana, Philip graduated from Lecompte High School in 1959.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army before attending Louisiana State University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. Making Central Louisiana his life-long home, Philip established himself as a dedicated professional engineer, specializing in structural design working in his field of study for nearly six decades. His loyalty to LSU never faded—he could almost always be found wearing his favorite LSU cap and shirt, proudly cheering on the Tigers.
His love for design extended well beyond his professional life into a passion for woodworking. Philip was happiest in his shop, crafting handmade treasures for those he loved—from wooden swings and restored furniture to beautifully detailed baby cradles.
His greater passion, however, was teaching the word of God. A faithful and generous servant, Philip gave whole-heartedly of his time, talents, and resources. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave for church projects, taught Bible study and Sunday School classes, volunteered for missions, sang in the choir, and cherished his monthly men’s prayer group. The Bible was the firm foundation for his teaching and his studies.
Above all, Philip cherished his family and friends, loving them deeply and faithfully. He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Eldridge Beard, and his parents, Eugene H. “Pappy” Beard and Ila Mae Barker Beard.
He is survived by his children, Timothy Beard, Noel Beard Debord, Elizabeth Neal, Jimmy Neal (Angie), and Brian Neal (Vianey); his brother Fred Allen Beard (Betty); sisters-in-law Nancy Jo Eldridge Gross and Garrie (Sissie) Eldridge Ferrington; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He answered to many different names through the seasons of his life: Sweet Pea, Unkie, Pop, and Papou. All who called him these names will surely miss his presence in their lives.
Funeral services celebrating Philip’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Kramer Funeral Home, with Reverends Stewart Holloway, Sammy Morrow, and Jimmy Koonce officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Neal, Cody Neal, Asher Neal, Michael Ellis, Philip Ellis, Philip Beitz, and Andrew Ellis.
Honorary pallbearers include the members of his faithful men’s prayer group: Karl Carpenter, Theo Chiasson, Keith Dickens, David Elliot, Garrett Jeter, and Sammy Morrow.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the members of his home church, First Baptist Church of Pineville, all the friends who visited and called, and to the staff of Matthews Memorial and St. Frances Cabrini Hospital for their compassionate care.
In memory of Philip, donations may be gifted to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Pineville.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8