The community was deeply shocked early this week by the sudden passing of one of its promising young men.
John J. Bard, 29, died unexpectedly of a heart attack in his home about 11:30 p.m. Monday. He had played basketball earlier in the evening and had spent a few minutes watching television.
Apparently in good health, he was stricken shortly after retiring for the night.
Johnny, as he was affectionately known, had attended school for two years at Shelby, O. and at Gilboa and graduated from the Liberty Center public schools in 1945. While in school he had taken part in extracurricular activities on the football team, basketball team and sang in the glee club and the boys' octet.
In May of 1945 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served through V-J Day.
On May 8, 1948 he was united in marriage with JoAnn Gomel and to this union were born two sons.
Following his return from service, he continued his interests in athletics by managing the Little League baseball team, played on the town basketball team, pitched for the town team and for McClure, Swanton, and Wauseon. He was also a member of the Tony's Bakery bowling team.
He had been with the Tony’s Bakery for about eight years as a driver, salesman, and was a parttime salesman for Bichan Chevrolet.
He was a member of the American Legion of Liberty Center and a member of the Liberty Center Methodist Church and Church School.
He is survived by his companion, JoAnn; the two sons, Jackie and Jerry; his parents; Mr. and Mrs. CLeo Bard, all of Liberty Center; one sister, Mrs. Edward Meister of Hawaii; two grandfathers, John Heilman of Crissey, and Charles Bard of Piqua, O., and other relatives and friends.
Mr. and. Mrs. Edward Meister flew from Hawaii and arrived here early Thursday. She is the former Annalee Bard and is stationed there with her husband.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon. Jan. 18 at 2 o’clock from the Methodist Church, Liberty Center, with the pastor, David L. Eichar, officiating. Burial will be in Young’s Cemetery. The Walter Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
The American Legion will also hold military services at the cemetery.