of Batesville, AR
July 12, 1939 - April 9, 2014
Joe Biard, 74, of Batesville died Wednesday, April 9, 2014.
Born July 12, 1939 in Bethesda, Arkansas, he was the son of Ernest Biard and Irma Marshall Biard.
Joe was a ''radio man'' for most of his life. He was the owner, broadcaster and announcer of KBTA and KZLE, which were located on the White River, before the stations were owned by WRD Entertainment Group. Joe was also a former assistant to Independence County Judge Jess Carpenter and retired after serving twelve years as Mayor of Batesville from January 1995 through December 2006. Joe was the longest serving mayor in Batesville history. During his tenure as mayor, Joe focused on economic development, expansion of city services and the growth and beautification of the Batesville Parks Department. He was responsible for designing the emblem for the City of Batesville, building both welcome signs on Highway 167, the creation of Veterans Plaza, the River Walk, and the pavilions and overlooks of the parks and the amphitheater. Joe had a passion for the City of Batesville and its people.
He was a 1957 graduate of Batesville High School, a member of the National Guard and a life-long, diehard, St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Survivors include one son, Chris Biard and his wife, Barbara of Modesto, California; and two grandchildren, Becca Biard and Elissa Biard of Lubbock, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Wanda Bone.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Old Independence Regional Museum, 380 S. 9th Street, Batesville, AR 72501
Chris and family, Deanna and Dana Dowell,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you.
Michele
I am sorry for your loss!
Chris, I'm thinking of you and your family and sending prayers for peace and comfort during this time.
Chris,
When my dad died, your dad was out of town. He cut his trip short and stopped at my mom's before even going home. He also was one of my granddad's regular visitors which always made his day. So sorry for your loss.
Chris & Family,
We are sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great family friend that will never be forgotten, he holds a very special place in our hearts. Our family participated with his campaign when he was running for Mayor. Several years ago we had a house fire and Joe was one of the first people to show up to assist in any way he could. Joe was a great guy. Our Prayers are with you and you family. Jim & Johnnie Hamilton
Joe will be truly missed. I grew up with Joe and I remember him so well as an announcer for KBTA and played softball with him. Just a very kind and considerate individual and well loved by many.
Respectfully,
Johnny Bridgman
Joe will be truly missed. I grew up with Joe and I remember him so well as an announcer for KBTA and played softball with him. Just a very kind and considerate individual and well loved by many.
Respectfully,
Johnny Bridgman
Joe was a great boss (KBTA-KZLE).
More importantly, Joe was an even greater, and true friend.
I am so saddened to hear of his passing.
In our thoughts and prayers the Olen A Burrow Family
In my thoughts and prayers
When you grow up in Batesville, you know everyone and their families. We were a close knit community. When someone from that era passes away it's as if you have lost a family member. So very sorry to hear about Joe. He was a kind and decent human being. I will send my love and be praying for the Biard Family .
Chris,
I'm so sorry to hear that your Dad has passed away. I was Rosann Marshell, one of your Dad's first cousins (Wade was my Dad). Joe and I always loved each other and each other's parents. He and your grandparents have always been part of us. He was a wonderful man who did so very much for others and for the city he loved. I will always miss and love him.
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing...he and I worked together about 20 years ago for about a year producing videos, driving all over Arkansas during the summer...and he helped me teach high school radio & television broadcasting classes in the early 90's. Joe was a great guy, a nice fellow, and a friend I wish I'd kept up with. We'd occasionally bump into each other in Walmart, and spend 45 minutes remeniscing....God bless Joe's family, may the Lord give you grace and peace at this time...
Dear Chris & family,
Joe was always such a part of our family growing up and we will miss him.
Ruth Marshell Busby