Alexander Beard was born on July 24, 1940, in Haywood County, Tennessee, to the union of the late Lonnie Beard Sr. and Gertie B. Beard. The third of seven children, Alexander spent his early childhood rooted in faith and family as a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his beloved siblings Annie Mae Tucker, Doris Reed, Cora Jones, and Halbert Beard.

Alexander graduated from Carver High School before relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, to live with his aunt, Geneva Beard Bowen. During this time, he attended St. Paul AME Church. In 1962, he began working as a machinist for McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing). In 1966, he entered the United States Army serving for two years before being honorably discharged in 1968. He returned to McDonnell Douglas in 1968 working until his retirement in September 1999 after 35 years of service. Remembered for his sharp sense of humor, quick wit, and role as the resident jokester, he loved to say after retiring, "I’m going to become a waiter and wait for the mailman to bring my check!”

On August 24, 1969, Alexander was united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Eleanor G. Williams, beginning a blessed 56-year union that brought into the world two cherished daughters, Alexis Lenore and Adrienne Lynne. In 1978, the family joined Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, where Alexander remained a faithful and active member for decades. He was one of the original young adult ushers who went on to serve as a senior usher, a founding member of the bus transportation ministry, and the resident barbecue aficionado for the annual church picnic.

Alexander cherished the time spent creating lasting memories with his family through travel and his lifelong love of sports. Early family vacations included a memorable trip to Disneyland in 1979 and an unforgettable visit to the World's Fair in 1982, with a special highlight in later years being a family trip to Florida where children and grandchildren gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve at Legoland. Alexander and Eleanor also enjoyed exploring the world together on relaxing cruises and taking trips to San Francisco to watch the Rams face off against the 49ers. A devoted sports enthusiast, Alexander loved the thrill of a St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs rivalry game, and he always held a special appreciation for the Cardinals baseball tickets generously gifted to him by Flint Fowler over the years.

A dedicated and thoughtful neighbor, Alexander deeply valued community and took pride in looking out for those around him. He built warm relationships with his neighbors, including John and Susan LaGrone, Barbara Meriweather and family, the Cassen family, the Steadman family, the Harris family, the Liggins family, and Dorothy Jones. Alexander

was always willing to lend a helping hand, routinely maintaining the lawns of neighbors. He regularly checked in on Ms. Sharon Jones and Mrs. Odessa Farmer.

Alexander leaves to celebrate his legacy his devoted and loving wife, Eleanor; his beloved daughters, Alexis (Harry), Adrienne, and Stephanie (Terry); his siblings, Lonnie Beard Jr. and Texa Smith; his (son)/nephew, Nathan (Regina); and his special cousin and "brother" Earl Beard Jr. Others celebrating his legacy include grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.