On December 9, the Madill Community Day Care dedicated a bridge to the late Herschel Beard. Chris Bradshaw, the Madill Community Day Care Board President, was one of the presenters.
He said that Beard was dedicated to the day care and the community. He was on the board for 50 years and was one of the original members.
After Beard's death in June 2022, many donations piled in to the day care in his honor. That signifies just what he meant to the community.
Madill Community Day CareDirector,EricaSanchez, and day care staff came up with the idea of building the bridge and dedicating it to Beard.
Steve Littrell, Pastor of the First Methodist Church of Madill, spoke about Beard and his dedication to the community and God.
'Herschel loved the Lord,' the pastor said. 'He loved his church, he loved serving the Lord and his church.'
He said that Beard was a leader, servant and giver. He said most of all, Beard was a bridge builder.
He said Beard was 'part of a team that was a bridge helping to connect the called to their callling, a bridge connectingchurchleadership to the church membership and a bridge connecting people, organizations, donors and campers to Cross Point Methodist Camp' The Madill Garden Club donated two pounds of wildflower seeds for the day care children to plant in a spot by the bridge. Littrell said not only was the bridge a fabulous tribute to Beard, so were the willdflower seeds.
'That's why I think this bridge is a wonderful tribute and memorial to Herschel,' Littrell said. 'Having it surrounded by a garden of flowers and beauty is the icing on the cake, because Herschel was a gardner, creator and caretaker of beautiful things.
SanchezsaidBeardalways wanted her to be the day care director and encouraged her to take the position.
'Healwaystaughtmealot in leadership,' Sanchez said.
'He always supported the employees and had an open ear,' Sanchez continued. 'He always took the time to help get what we needed to take care of any issues we brought his way.'
BradshawechoedLittrell's sentiments about Beard.
'He was a leader who encouraged others, a giving man, a server to his community, a gardener and lover of nature,' Bradshaw said.
Before Beard's passing, there were plans to add on to the day care. They want to add a new aboveground safe room that will accomodate 40 more children than the current one they have downstairs.
Beard's sons, Wade and JT, said they are 'lucky and grateful to have been raised to be community driven and community minded.'
His sons said they are proud that the board built something to remind future generations about all Beard contributed and what a great man he was.
'He was generous and always supportive,' they said. 'If we chose to pursue something, he made us follow throughtilltheendandhonor our commitments. He raised us to also be servers and instilled a sense of purpose in us.'