Bearden, Ned V., Sr., 1916-1987

Ned V. Bearden Sr. was born on January 6, 1916 in Ellijay, Georgia, and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1939 seeking business opportunities. Bearden served in the United States Army during World War II as a trade school teacher for hydraulics, mechanics, and electricity. In 1946, Bearden purchased Belsmith Company on 125 South Main Street in Las Vegas. In 1947, he changed the company's name to Desert York Company and became the first air conditioning company in Las Vegas. In 1980, the business changed its name again to Humbelt Corporation and operated as an independent wholesaler and distributor of air conditioning machinery. Bearden retired in 1982 and left his business to his two sons.

Bearden died in 1987 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source:

"Longtime LV Businessman Ned V. Bearden Sr. Dies." Las Vegas Review-Journal, June 5, 1987.