Merle Allen Beard, 86 of Rockford, formerly of Poplar Grove, died at 4:45 a.m., Thursday, February 17, 2005 in Provena Cor Mariae Center following a lengthy illness.Born September 17, 1918 in Poplar Grove, Illinois. The son of Damon and Gertrude (Miller) Beard. He married Dorothy Porter in Rockford on February 14, 1937. He was employed as a Farmer, a Bus Driver for Poplar Grove Grade School for 25 years, Capron Hardware for 15 years and was a special deputy for the Boone County Sheriff's Office.Member of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church; Poplar Grove Grange; Harvard Moose Club.He is survived by his son, Ronald (Kathryn) Beard, of Rockford; two granddaughters, Kimberly (Tom) Clark and Kristine (Jason) Ostic; two great-grandchildren, Aaron and Korissa Ostic; and sister, Roberta Schendel, Delta, Colorado. Preceded in death by Wife and sister, Peggy Ryerson.Private graveside services Monday, February 21, 2005 in Highland Garden of Memories with the Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford, pastor of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, officiating. A Public Visitation to be held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2005 in Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home 218 W. Hurlbut Av. Memorials to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.