Lenzell E. Bard Sr.

Lenzell Bard Sr. was born March 10, 1939 in Greenville, Ky, the son of the late Rev. James Alvernea Bard Sr. and Sarah Demoss (Martin) Bard. He transitioned into the loving arms of God on Sunday January 29, 2017 at the age of 77. Len grew up in Greenville, Kentucky surrounded by the love of a large family as he was the seventh of nine children. He and his twin brother Benzell were inseparable throughout their childhood. Len accepted Christ as a small child and was very active in his home church, Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Greenville. He graduated from Drakesboro Community High School in 1958. Later he moved to Evansville, Indiana where he found employment and settled to raise a family with his wife Barbara. Len was a member of Cleaves Memorial C.M.E. Church for more than 50 years having joined under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Hoyt, Sr. During his membership, Len was Chairman of the Steward Board, President of Cleaves Chorus, member of the Methodist Men Ministry, Men’s Day Chair, Benevolent Committee Chair, and member of the Laymen. He was a dedicated and faithful member until his health prevented him from attending.

Len seemed to truly enjoy driving. He would often drive the church van when needed for church trips. He retired from Yellow Freight Trucking Company after 27 years. After retiring, Len purchased “A Touch of Class” Limousine Service.

Len loved to sing and harmonize. He and several other men in the community formed a group called the Golden Tones who toured the Tri-State area singing Gospel songs in many of the churches. This was something he really enjoyed. Among his other hobbies were slow pitch softball, bowling, and fishing. He was an avid golfer with the River City Golf Club. He was also a member of the Golden Age Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers:James “Pete”, Wallace “Rudy”, Arthur “Joe” and 2 sisters: Maggie “Louise” Billings, Jane Joiner.

Lenzell Bard Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara (Finn) Bard; daughters: Sherry, Sandra, and son Lenzell “Lenny” Jr. all of Evansville, IN; 5 grandchildren: TeAsha Watt, Antonio “Rahmon” Petty, DeVante Pettus, Braelyn Smith, Alyx Smith and 2 great-grandchildren: Zadrien Petty, Armond Petty; Sisters: Sarah Johnson, Mary Harriford of Flint, MI; Brother: Benzell (Esther) Bard Sr. of Beaver Dam, KY; Brother and sisters in law: Archie and Thurman Finn, Rosie Jones, Loretta J. Finn, Marie Wilson- Finn, Martha Bard, Bobbie Bard-Mansur. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins. Len also had 2 special grandsons: David Scott Jr. and Damiyon Thomas.