David O. Bard

Dave Bard of Harrisburg, a familiar, distinctive voice in Southern Illinois news and sports for 36 years, died early Friday, April 22, at the Herrin Hospital after a brief illness.  Born in LaPorte, Indiana on February 23, 1937 to Elsie Hamilton Bard and Robert Orr Bard, he graduated from LaPorte High School having earned letters in Debate and Speech, then continued to DePauw University, where he completed his undergraduate degree in political science in 1959.  He continued graduate studies in political science and broadcasting at Indiana University in Bloomington. Dave began his full-time radio career at WLOI in LaPorte, Indiana in 1960, moving to WAKE-WLJE of Valparaiso, Indiana in 1970, where he broadcast Valpo Viking sports for a number of years.  Dave came to Harrisburg and WEBQ in February 1980 and served the station in multiple capacities including General Manager, News/Sports Director, and Sales Executive.  Dave broadcast Harrisburg Bulldog sports for many years, and for the past decade has been the voice of the Eldorado Eagles. Dave was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Faye Arletta (Hites) Bard, in January 2015. He is survived by a son, Robert Bard of Springfield, IL; daughters Sue Bard and Betsy McLaughlin, both of Indianapolis; stepsons Karl Bauer of Valparaiso, IN and James Bauer of Harrisburg, IL; three grandsons, Brandon Bauer, Evan Bauer, and Andrew Bauer, and great-grandson David Elijah Bauer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Stiltmore Kennels in Eldorado. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 34 W. Poplar Street in Harrisburg.

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