Virgil Lea Bearden

Virgil Lea "Shorty" Bearden, 83, of Sioux City died Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

His body was cremated. No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson-Perasso Funeral Home.

Virgil was born May 24, 1923, in Sioux City, the son of John and Nettie (Swigert) Bearden. He was a lifelong Sioux City resident.

He married Donna Haviland on Feb. 9, 1945, in Sioux City. He worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Sioux City Stockyards.

He loved spending time with his family. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Donna Bearden of Sioux City; a son, Larry (Donna) Olson of Sioux Falls, S.D.; a daughter, Vicki Denekas of Le Mars, Iowa; a sister, Ida Kissling of Newport News, Va.; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Daniel Olson; a granddaughter, Dennetta; a grandson, Duane John; a great-granddaughter, Heather; a brother; and three sisters.