Walter Bearden

Walter Bearden, 85, of Piedmont, MO, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2018, at Clark’s Mountain Nursing Center, Piedmont, MO. He was born November 9, 1932, at rural Piedmont, MO, to parents Carl Bryan and Gladys (Babb) Bearden.

Walter was raised in the Piedmont, MO, area and attended school there. After school he was drafted into the US Army and he served with distinction during the Korean War. On February 14, 1955 Walter married Patricia “Pat” Long and to this union three children were born. Pat passed away on August 9, 2014. Walter had worked many years for the Brown Shoe Company at Piedmont and retired as a foreman. In spare time he enjoyed working outside, including gardening, and tinkering with his tractor. He was a charter member of the Victory Baptist Temple at Piedmont.

Walter is survived by his three sons, Carl Bearden and wife Debbie of St. Charles, MO, William Roger Bearden and wife Debbie of Greenville, MO, and Dale Bearden and wife Lynn of Piedmont, MO; grandchildren, William Robert Bearden, Amber Chavez and husband Mike, Holly Watson and husband Jeremy, Allison Bearden, BreAnna Conner and husband Matt, Shalyn Tucker and husband Cody, Samuel Bearden; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Caleb, Grace, Levi, Brady, Olivia, Luke, David, Blake, Brynn, Addison, Sydney, David, Nathaniel, and EmmaLynn; sister, Marie Middleton of Jackson, MO. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death his loving wife, Pat; brothers, Carl and Bufford Bearden; and half-sister, Lois Marler.

Visitation was held Friday, February 16, 2018, at 4:30 pm, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Services followed Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 11:00 am, at Victory Baptist Temple, Piedmont, MO. Dr. Andrew Tully and Pastor Elmo Parker ministered to the family. The Gibson family and The Victory Baptist Ladies provided the music. Rob Bearden, Samuel Bearden, Jeremy Watson, Aaron Miller, Cody Tucker and Matt Conners served as pallbearers. Burial followed with full military honors at Eaton Cemetery near Piedmont. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com