Jackson Eugene Bard, 88, of Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away July 20.

He was born Sept. 3, 1926, in Butler, to Hugh Austin Bard and Mary Marchand Helman Bard.

The Bard family was one of the original 19 families who purchased stock in 1888 through the Slippery Rock Normal School Association. The stock proceeds funded the construction of the first three buildings of the Slippery Rock State Normal School founded in 1889. Jack Bard's great-grandfather and great-uncle were both members of the association's first board of trustees and played important roles in guiding the early development of the Normal School. Hugh Bard, Jack's father, was a prominent businessman and many Slippery Rock area residents purchased quality clothing and footwear at the “Bard and Son” store on Main Street.

The Bards were active in business, were outdoorsmen and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Jack graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and worked as an electrical engineer. He worked for many years as a contractor for NASA in Huntsville, Ala., and in California. He was a World War II veteran.

Survivors include his niece, Julia H. Ryan and her husband, David, of Manassas, Va.; and his great-niece, Emily Hicks and her husband, Alan, of Arlington, Va.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Barbara Bard Hawkins on Oct. 6, 2002, and a longtime companion, Annelise Hoyrup.

BARD — A public graveside service for Jackson Eugene Bard, who died Monday, July 20, 2015, will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Slippery Rock Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be given to the Slippery Rock Rescue Team, P.O. Box 117; Slippery Rock, PA 16057.Arrangements by Smith Funeral Home, 421 New Castle St. Slippery Rock.