Robert (Bob) Harvey Bearden was born November 19, 1930 in Stantonville TN, the son of the late Jessie Aubrey and Maceal Ward Bearden of Adamsville TN.
He was married to Joan Lily Story of London, England from 1951 until her death in 1974. In 1999, he married Aida Barabasn of Moscow, Russia.
Bob grew up in McNairy County. He attended school in Stantonville, Gilchrist, and in Adamsville TN. He decided early in life that farming was not for him. He had a deep passion for learning and a great wanderlust for far-off lands. He desired both an education and adventure and determined that the United States Air Force would provide him with both.
He was very eager to begin this new chapter. He had a few failed attempts to enlist at 16 years old and again at 17. His 3rd attempt was finally successful. He enlisted before his 18th birthday after convincing his parents to sign the permission slips. His first deployment was to Germany. It was right after the war and the company he was in was responsible for rebuilding the infrastructure and reestablishing relationships. While there he received the Humanitarian Medal for his post-war efforts. It was the first of many medals, awards and honors he would receive during his many years of service.
During one of his leaves, he and a few of his buddies flew over to London, England for a little R and R. He was in Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London when he came to the aid of a pretty English girl who had a headlight out on her bicycle. He was immediately smitten. After a full year of government paperwork traveling between Adamsville and London, they were finally able to marry. They had 5 children together and they made close to 17 moves in 27 years, with children born in Louisiana, Alabama, Japan, Hawaii, and Alaska. Four of them were born in just 5 years then 11 years later they welcomed their little “bonus baby.”
After 25 years of service, Bob retired from the U.S. Air Force. They settled in Adamsville to begin this new chapter. Unfortunately, Joan passed away a very short time afterward. Bob lived for 91 years and therefore enjoyed the privilege of experiencing many chapters of life. His last chapter started with a new marriage (after being a widow for almost 3 decades) and a new adventure with Aida Barabasn. They have enjoyed many wonderful times and travels together.
Bob is preceded in death by Joan, his parents Aubrey and Maceal, his siblings, Ralph Bearden, James (Jimmy) Bearden, and Janie Bearden Kiddy, all of Adamsville and Lawton TN and a grandson, Joseph Hebert of Palmer, Alaska.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Sherran Bearden Hebert and Daniel Hebert, Ben Bearden and Vicki Grisham, and former spouse Lisa Donaldson Bearden, Michael and Penny Brown Bearden, Clifton and Lori Copeland Bearden, and Kelli Bearden Chellgren and Paul Chellgren; his grandchildren and their spouses, Chris Hebert and Mieckal Delaney, Flint Bearden, Samantha Bearden Boyd and Matt Wilson, Jessica Bearden Paxton and Rodger Paxton, Rachel Bearden and Stephen Lazar, Rebecca Bearden and Craig Key, Carson Bearden and Alexa Bell, Cory Bearden, Taylor Williamson and Benjamin Williamson. Bob, aka, “Country Bob”, or “Papa Bob” also leaves 12 great-grandchildren: River and Story Delaney, Reagan and Grayson Paxton, Hallie and Hayden Lazar, Willow Bearden, Seth Fourtenberry, Devon Boyd, Houston Wilson, Hunter and Madison Wilson and his sister-in-law Clara Pickens Bearden. Bob is also survived by his wife, Aida Barabasn Bearden and her daughters Natalia Barabash and Leisa Trickett and 3 grandchildren, Sasha, Zenia, and Hisham along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Sunday, September 4th, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Shackleford Funeral Directors in Adamsville, TN. Burial with full U.S. Air Force military honors at Clear Creek Baptist Church cemetery in Lawton, TN. Memorial contributions can be made to a veteran’s organization of donor’s choosing.
