Roll of Honor
John M. Beard
Incident
Deputy Marshal Beard was shot and killed when he and another deputy marshal went to a ranch south of Claremore, Oklahoma, to return a borrowed saddle. When they arrived at the ranch they were met at the door by a man who was pointing a Winchester rifle at them. The man was wanted by federal and Indian courts. Deputy Marshal Beard drew his weapon and fired at the man but missed. The suspect shot back and shot Deputy Marshal Beard in the head. The man then stole Deputy Marshal Beard's gun and fled on horseback.
Survivors
Deputy Marshal Beard was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-1395D2EA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
132 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Beard served with the United States Department of Justice.
Thank you for your service. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy U.S. Marshal John M. Beard is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In DC, 754 of 1,418 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.2% of this state's fallen. That is 53.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, 251 of 313 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John M. Beard's cause is highlighted.
How John M. Beard Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John M. Beard is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John M. Beard was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
312 officers from United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
