Hershel Bearden, 68, of Chelsea, died Dec. 31 following a long illness. A master electrician in Birmingham and Shelby County, and retired owner of Bearden Electric, he served as a deacon at New Bethesda Baptist Church in Columbiana. He is preceded in death by his parents, C. A. and Annie Bearden, and his son, Michael Bearden. Loved by all, he is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Faye Blackerby Bearden; daughters, Melissa Bearden of Homewood, Rachel B. Kimbell of Westover, and Lori Champion of Chelsea; his devoted son-in-law Steve Champion; grandchildren Haven, Michaela, and Drayton Champion; and Hershel Kelan Kimbell; brother, Acy Wade Bearden of Shelby; sister, Doris Owens of Verbena; and adopted family members Jeannie Hankins of Fort Worth, Texas, and her daughters Angela Robinson and April Edison. Visitation was held Wednesday, Jan. 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bolton-Letlow Funeral Home in Columbiana. Services were held at the funeral home chapel, Thursday, Jan. 4 at 11 a.m. The burial followed at New Bethesda Baptist Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the UAB Alzheimer&8217;s Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Sparks Center, Suite 350-E1, 1720 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, or Spain Rehabilitation Center Patient Assistance Fund, 619 19th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35294