Bennett Bard

Bennett R. Bard, 94, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Brookview Nursing Center at Menno Haven. Born December 12, 1925 in Chambersburg, he was a son of the late E. Bruce and Nellie Fox Bard. Ben was a 1943 graduate of the former Chambersburg High School. He enlisted with the US Marine Corps in 1944 and proudly served in the South Pacific Theatre during WWII. He was wounded in the Battle of Okinawa Shima and spent time in a US Naval hospital where he recovered from his injuries and then rejoined the 29th Marines, 6th Division. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Ben participated in the Japanese surrender at TsingTao, China in October of 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1946. He was employed with the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1984 with forty years of federal service. He was a member of the Semi-Pro football team, The Thundering Herd in 1947 and then the Chambersburg Cardinals starting in 1948. He had been an active member of the Chambersburg Church of the Brethren since 1937. He was a life and charter member of the Landis McCleaf Detachment of the Marine Corps League; was a life member of Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW; a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of B.P.O. Elks Lodge #600; and also held membership in the Oscar M. Hykes Post 223 American Legion, Hume-McNeil-Byers AmVets Post 224; and the Chapel of Four Chaplains. He was a life member of the Junior Hose and Truck Company #2 and was a member of the Chambersburg Fireman’s Relief Association and the Cumberland Valley Fireman’s Association. Ben volunteered for many years with the American Red Cross and was a 20 gallon blood donor. He served as a baseball and football referee for 40 years, beginning in 1950. He bowled in local, state, and national bowling tournaments with the bowling team from Hershey Foods. He was an avid fan of Penn State sports. His wife, Doris Henry Bard, whom he married November 25, 1956, preceded him in death on August 22, 2014.

He is survived by four children, Kelly Jacobs (John) of Chambersburg, Carl Bard (Sondra) of Reading, B. Keith Bard of Chambersburg, and Karen Bard Koermer (Kelly) of Bel Air, MD; and five grandchildren, Erik Jacobs, Marc Jacobs, Amy McLean (Tyler), Nicholas Pirovolidis, and Tanner Pirovolidis. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by seven siblings, E. Glen, E. Bruce, Ellis, K. Drew, Donald, Kathleen, and Roselyn. Ben was the last of his immediate family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Noon on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Parklawns Memorial Gardens, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Joel Nogle will officiate. Military honors will be presented by members of the Charles Nitterhouse Post 1599 VFW Honor Guard.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Chambersburg Church of the Brethren, 260 South Fourth Street, or to the Landis McCleaf Detachment of the Marine Corps League, 450 Grant Street, both in Chambersburg, PA 17201.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and medical team at Menno Haven Rehabilitation and Brookview at Menno Haven for the excellent care provided to Ben.