---

Donald Wilson Bean

October 2, 1936 — November 1, 2026

Lt. Col. Donald Wilson Bean, USAF (Ret.), PhD, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 1, 2026, All Saints’ Day, surrounded by his loving family.
 
Don was born on October 2, 1936, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Raised on a small farm in East Bend, North Carolina, he excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of his high school class. A devoted North Carolina State University Wolfpack fan, Don attended NC State, where he participated in the Army Reserves and ROTC before earning his degree in mechanical engineering.
 
Following graduation, Don was selected for Air Force Officer Training School, beginning a distinguished 21-year career in the United States Air Force. Throughout his military service, he continued his pursuit of higher education, earning a business degree from the University of Alaska, a master’s degree from the University of Alabama, and a PhD from the University of Utah. During the Vietnam War, Don served as a fighter aircraft avionics maintenance officer. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, concluding more than two decades of honorable service to his country.
 
Following his military retirement, Don embarked on a second career with United Way of Greater St. Louis, continuing his lifelong commitment to serving others.
 
Don shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marion (Wolters) Bean. Their love story began in Denver, Colorado, while Don was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base and Marion was working as an airline stewardess. The couple married in 1961 at Harlingen Air Force Base in Texas, beginning a lifetime of love, devotion, and shared adventures.
 
Throughout his retirement, Don remained active in his community and dedicated to causes close to his heart. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Charities for the Poor, and organizations supporting those affected by Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. An avid gardener, Don also earned recognition as a Master Gardener.
 
Above all, Don cherished his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Marion; their three children, Karen (John) Deem, Kathie Ebers, and Ronald (Brenda) Bean; five grandchildren, Brandon (Kaylie) Deem, Bridgette (Tim) Claycomb, Andrew Ebers, Nick Ebers, and RJ Bean; and three great-grandchildren, Everett, Nolan, and Evelyn.
 
Don will be inurned in the columbarium at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano, Texas, where he and Marion have been faithful parishioners since moving to Texas in 2013.
 
Don leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, service, dedication, and love for his family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.