C.W. Beard

Craven Wright “C.W.” Beard passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Waco, Texas to Craven and Lillie Belle Beard on July 28, 1936. Soon after, his parents relocated to Tyler, Texas. C.W. graduated from Tyler High School in 1954. He then attended Baylor University where he cemented many lifelong friendships as well as a lasting loyalty to the university. He served on the Board of the Bear Foundation from 2004-2020 and was an active supporter of the Baylor Seminary while his friend, Dr. Paul Powell, was at its head. C.W. also established an endowed scholarship fund in Baylor’s Business School to assist deserving students in fulfilling their dreams. C.W. was a tapestry woven from a rich life of experiences, resilience, faith, integrity, philanthropy, and a unique zest for making a positive difference in the lives of others in his church and community. He found fulfillment in activities such as serving on the Board of Buckner International and in making donations to student scholarship funds at Park Cities Baptist Church in memory of his teacher and friend, Bob Floyd. Most of C.W.’s adult life was spent in Dallas, Texas where he worked first as a stockbroker and banker. He read constantly to ensure that he was serving each of his customers based on the best information available. He readily shared his knowledge with others as his way of contributing to their success. He worked at Bank of America for over 30 years. At the time of his retirement from the bank, he was Vice President of the Trust Department. Despite numerous health challenges in his later in life, C.W. never lost his priceless sense of humor and positive outlook. He fought back after each setback but always focused more on his blessings than on his challenges. C.W. was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed attending, supporting, and watching a variety of sports. He made many trips to Baylor to attend both women’s and men’s sporting events. He also traveled to other universities across the country to attend games being played by some of his favorite teams, including a personal meeting with Coach John Wooden at UCLA. Known for his gentle nature, humor, and Christian values, C.W. was described by his friends as a wonderful, caring human being who was deeply loved by everyone who knew him and was fortunate enough to be his friend or co-worker. His greatest legacy was his love of God, family, and friends. C.W.’s survivors include his sister, Bonnie Holland (Katy, Texas), his nephew, Harold Entz and wife Dina (Katy, Texas), his great nephew, MSgt Andrew Entz and his wife Simay (Hanover, Maryland), his great niece, Ashley Daab and her husband Aaron (Cypress, Texas), his great- great niece, Lillie Daab, and two great-great nephews, Aiden Entz and Paxton Daab. He was also survived by his mother’s only living sibling, Mary Adams Lane, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Judge Craven Wilson Beard and his mother, Lillie Belle Beard Etter. A grave-side service will be held in Tyler, Texas on February 18 at Rose Hill Cemetery on South Broadway at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will be held later in Dallas, Texas at Park Cities Baptist Church to honor C.W.’s memory. Honorary pall bearers will include Brian Rahlfs, Paul Majors, Dr. Bill Head, Monte Hulse, Jim Allen, Kevin Kyle, Tony Littleman, Wayne Winter, Bill Henrichson, and Bill Sams. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to CW Beard’s endowed scholarship fund #4345FSZ at Baylor University, 1 Bear Place 97026 in Waco Texas or to Bucker International in Dallas.

C.W. Beard

July 28, 1936 - February 7, 2025