Cleveland W. Beard, 91, of Wilton, NH, died May 14, 2011 at his home.

Cleveland was born February 23, 1920 in Cambridge, MA. He was the son of Cleveland P. Beard and Blanche N. (Proctor). He spent his childhood in Canada and Rochester, NH. Cleveland graduated from Spaulding High School in 1932.

Cleveland served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps. After the war, in 1946 he and his dearest friend Ken Blanchard returned to Wilton and worked together at Blanchard’s Auto Salvage. In 1958 Cleveland married his wife Rosella (Hull) Beard. They shared 47 years together until her death in 2005.

Cleveland worked at Riley’s Brothers Sawmill and later he worked as a teacher at the High Mowing School, in Wilton, NH. Inspiring and teaching not only his own, but anyone he encountered. He loved and would do anything for those he met.

Cleveland’s time was spent with his family and friends. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed aviation, mechanics, hot air ballooning, motorcycles, gun collecting, woodworking, and his model T’s. He was a fine furniture maker and enjoyed making clocks for those he loved. In his quiet time he loved to read, eat popcorn, learn his computer and caring for his farm animals and his cat. He would go to flea markets and spend time outdoors.

Cleveland was a member of the American Legion in Wilton, the NRA and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Cleveland will missed by all who loved him.

Cleveland is survived by 8 children: Gail R. Beard of Charleston, SC, William K. Beard of Wilton, Cleveland B. Beard of Wilton, Daniel Norwood of Rochester, Nancy Millward of Milford, George (Buzz) Pelletier of Wilton ,Lorren Pelletier of Milford.

Cleveland was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Cleveland was predeceased by a daughter Pat (Pelletier) Dube, a grandson Daniel Beard, and a granddaughter Joyce Pelletier.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 11:00 am for a Celebration of Cleveland’s life at the South Cemetery in Wilton, NH. Interment will be in South Cemetery in Wilton, NH. Followed by a reception at Riley’s Saw Mill in Milford, NH. The arrangements are in the care of the Michaud Funeral Home, 32 Maple St., Wilton, NH.

To view an online obituary or leave a condolence, please visit our website, www.michaudfuneral home.com. 654-6524.