Bryan Kelly Beard

Celebration of life services for Kelly Beard will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 2:00pm at MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel. 

Kelly Beard passed away on October 29, 2024, at the age of 68, surrounded by family. Born in Sweetwater, Texas, on April 3, 1956, to George and Naomi (Crosier) Beard, Kelly grew up in Liberal, Kansas, and later Casper, Wyoming, where he graduated from high school in 1975. Upon his graduation he moved to Claremore, Oklahoma with his family, where he attended Claremore Community College (now Rogers State) and began a career as a machinist.

In 1985 Kelly met his wife, Maria Triplett, whom he married on May 30, 1987. They raised three sons together and joined Memorial Heights in 1995 where Kelly served as a volunteer, usher, and teacher. Known for his gentle spirit, Kelly cherished his family, especially his sons, and took pride in spending time with them. He enjoyed boating, dirt biking, gardening, and caring for animals, especially his beloved dog, Pebble. He lived his life to a soundtrack that he took joy in sharing with those most important to him. Among his favorites were Santana, The Allman Brothers, and The Doors.

Anyone who knew Kelly would tell you that his defining characteristic was his giant heart. He was the most fulfilled when helping others and always went out of his way to do so. 

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents 

He is survived by his wife Maria; sons Christopher, Bryan "Allie," and Joseph; sister Mitzi Ann Tatowicz and her husband Tony; and his loyal dog, Pebble.