Class of 1943
1943 Graduation EditionPerry Daily Journal
Melvin Beard
– 19 year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Beard, 251 Elm street. He has lived in Perry only one year. He was born in Marland.
Melvin has attended schools in four states, New Mexico, Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. He went to the Ponca City high school before moving to Perry.
He was an officer in the 4-H club during his grade school years. He was a patrol leader in his first year of scouting and a senior patrol leader in the Boy Scouts for two years during his schooling in Stella, MO.
Melvin believes he will probably find a job in the army after he finishes his high school work here.
Melvin Matthew Beard
February 11, 1924 – July 11, 1944
Pvt. Melvin Matthew Beard was killed in action on Saipan island July 11, 1944. Pvt Beard was serving with an infantry unit at the time of his death and had been overseas less than six months. Following his entry into service July 13, 1943, Pvt. Beard was sent to Fort Sill and from there he was sent to Camp Roberts, Calif. for his basic training. From Camp Roberts he was shipped over seas.
Pvt. Beard, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy H. Beard, was born in Red Rock February 11, 1924. He attended school in Arkansas, Missouri, New Mexico and at Ponca City. He graduated from Perry highschool May 19, 1943.
Before his graduation, Pvt. Beard was employed at the Conoco service station here and did janitor work at the highschool building. He was affiliated with the First Baptist church and was a Perry highschool FFA member.
In addition to his parents, Pvt. Beard is survived by one sister, Eula May Beard, who resides with her parents.