Bearden, Arthur Irwin's Obituary
Arthur “Art” Bearden
February 2nd, 1944 – May 3rd, 2026
“He always said when asked how he was: I’m pretty fair to partly cloudy with no chance of rain.’”
Art’s favorite way of greeting us still echoes in our ears, and it feels strange to speak of him in the past tense. Wife, Margaret Bearden, his three daughters—Laura, Christie, and Dawn, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren—find comfort in saying his name out loud and remembering the steadiness he brought to every day.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Art carried the straightforward honesty of his hometown wherever life took him. Curious by nature and hardworking to the core, he showed us that kindness and support are everyday choices, not occasional gestures.
He loved cooking almost as much as he loved the outdoors, and a good meal was never far from a story about hunting, fishing, football, or a close NASCAR finish. Even in the busiest moments, he found time to ask how we were doing and meant every word.
Art passed peacefully at home in Hudson with his wife, Margaret, by his side. He leaves a legacy that stretches through his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of us carrying a piece of his gentle wisdom.
We miss him deeply and will keep sharing his weather-report motto whenever someone checks in on us. Until we meet again, we hold tight to the warmth he gave so freely and the simple promise that love, once shared, never fades.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
How did Arthur make you smile?