Donald Lloyd Bean was born at the Galloway Hospital in Anthony, Kansas, to Vernon Ralph Bean and Gladys Irene (Post) Bean on October 19, 1942.  He attended K-12 schools in Anthony, graduating with the class of 1960.  College years were spent at KSTC in Emporia and Kansas State University.  Two weeks after graduation he reported to NAS Pensacola to begin officer training, followed by flight training.  He was awarded the Naval Aviator golden wings and saw service in Japan and Vietnam.  After his time in the Navy he was an Air Traffic Controller for several years and later an investigator with the FDA, retiring in 2012.

In 1965 he married Carolyn Campbell in Rialto, California, and they had three sons: Ehrich, Joseph, and Geoff.  In 1978, he married Carla Jean Long in Longmont, Colorado.  Carla had a daughter, Tobi, who Don adopted as his own.  Carla and Don were later blessed with a son, Bryan.

On December 14, 2023, Don passed away at his home in Greeley, Colorado.  He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph; his parents; and his older brother, Vernon Harold Bean.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carla; daughter, Tobi Evans; sons: Ehrich Lloyd Bean, Geoffrey Neil Bean, and Bryan Christopher Bean; two sisters, Carol Ann Jacob of Ottawa, KS and Lois Elaine Wiechen of Harper, KS; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2023 at Spring Grove Cemetery, west of Anthony, KS, with Pastor Kent Olds officiating and Military Honors by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don's name to a Charity of Donor's Choice.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.