Thomas L Beard. April 16. 1927 to September 14, 2026

Peacefully passed way at the Good Samaritan of Olathe, Ks. Preceded in death by his parents Ruth and George Beard, wife Betty L Beard, son Wm. S Ayres, grandson Wm. Randal Ayres, Corey M. Buckley.

Tom leaves a daughter Rita Ayres – James Laird and a daughter-in-law Nancy J. Ayres. 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.

Tom worked for Army Map Service for 27 years. Tom was a certified Cartographer. Tom retired after 27 years of service.

Tom was a WW11 Navy Veteran. He was extremely proud of his service to his country. It also enabled him to VA benefits that he used to go to the Kansas City Art Institute where he polished his natural skills in human anatomy, color techniques, stretching of canvases and cleaning of canvases and painting restoration.

Tom was a successful local Kansas City Artist. Showing his work at local art fairs, local businesses. He also showed his art in Colorado where he and Betty enjoyed their cabin in Peaceful Valley, Colorado.

Tom became known for his life size sculp in Pioneer Park at Broadway and Westport Rd. His sculp depicts Jim Bridger, Alexander Majors and John Calvin McCoy. Three men important to the city’s founding. Other significant work you will find in Olathe, Ks. Commissioned by the family of Philanthropist Robert R Osborn, his work is at the Good Samaritan Society of Olathe. The Osborn family commissioned life size sculps that sit in the lobby of the Olathe Hospital part of the University of Kansas. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop Farm depicting James B and Lucinda Mahaffie. In front of the Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, Mo a life size sculp of Jim Bridger. In Pleasanton, Ks Tom has a large bust of Civil War General Alfred Pleasanton.

Tom was a wonderful Husband and just a great individual. Never arrogant about his success. He was loved by all. His grandchildren were devoted to him. He was a great story teller. Tom in his later years had white hair and a white beard with sparkly blue eyes, Children took a double take wondering if they just saw Santa Clause.

Tom had a photographic memory and a lot of his paintings whether oil or water color depicted memories of his childhood.

Tom and Betty belonged to art associations, The Westerners, The Civil War Roundtable and other organizations many times holding offices with in the organization.

It was a sad day when we lost Tom. A wonderful and talented man. Tom was married to Betty “the love of his life” nearly 60 years.

Please check out this publication about him:

https://www.good-sam.com/our-stories/well-known-sculptor-and-world-war-ii-veteran-makes-a-memorable-impact