John C. "Boots" Beard, Sr., 88, of Lebanon, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital. He was married for 65 years to Margaret A. (Bahsteter) Beard.

Born in Lebanon, PA on March 27, 1934, John was a son of the late George and Hattie (Dietz) Beard. After graduating from Cornwall High School and serving in the U.S. Army, John began his career at the Hershey Chocolate factory, retiring from the maintenance department in 1996. At Hershey he played on the company baseball team in the 1950s. He was also active for many years as a baseball umpire and soccer referee for the PIAA in the Lancaster-Lebanon league and officiated for various youth and adult sports programs in Lebanon county.

John was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed following the Philadelphia Phillies, Flyers, 76ers and Eagles. He also enjoyed playing golf, pinochle and gardening. In retirement, John and Margaret enjoyed traveling and camping in their RV across the United States as well as trips to England, Scotland and France. His grandchildren appreciated having him at their activities and sporting events as they grew up. John was also a past member of the Quentin Lions Club and Friendship Fire Company.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by five children, Suzanne Bailor, wife of Ronald, Lebanon; John C. Beard, Jr., husband of Yvonne "Angel", Warrenton VA; Linda Young, wife of Robert, Conestoga; Roxanne Norris, wife of Gregory, Lebanon; and Timothy Beard, husband of Tamara, Lebanon; fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, George, James, and Kenneth Beard; and a sister, Rose Ginder.

John's family would like to thank the personal care and skilled nursing staff at StoneRidge Poplar Run and the palliative care staff at Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital for their care and compassion during John's final days.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 20th at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. Funeral procession will depart the funeral home at 9:45 am. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 126 South 9th Street, Lebanon is entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com