Willard L. Bean

Colonel Willard L. Bean (MOARNG, ret.), age 88, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Friday, August 6, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on August 18, 1932, in Dexter, Mo., the son of Lyman L. and Pauline Cranick Bean. Colonel Bean graduated from Dexter High School in 1950. He attended numerous civilian and military schools and has a Bachelor's degree from Columbia College. He was married on September 6, 1956, in Dexter, Mo. to Connie Marie Cox, who preceded him in death on December 10, 2019. Colonel Bean served his country in the Missouri National Guard in excess of 38 years with the highest honor, integrity and respect for all. Bean will be remembered and adored by many globally as a humble, soft spoken, true mentor and friend to all, with leadership qualities to be forever admired. He was a gentleman, a true giant of a man. He cherished his role as mentor and strived to set examples high for all those that knew him. He especially took great joy in knowing he contributed to some of the greatest Aviators of his time. He never forgot them and would speak proudly of them. At the age of 16, Bean enlisted as a Private in Company A, 140th INF Missouri National Guard on March 21, 1949. During 1952-1953 he attended Light and Heavy Weapons Infantry Leader Course at Fort Benning, Georgia as Staff Sergeant, promoted to Sergeant First Class upon graduation. 1954, Bean received direct commission as Second Lieutenant, Infantry and in 1957 he was promoted to First Lieutenant. During 1957-1958 he attended Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Georgia. Moving on to 1958-1959, Bean attended Army Aviation School at Camp Gary, Texas and Fort Rucker, Alabama; 1963 Bean was promoted to Captain, Corps of Engineers; 1964 he attended Helicopter Qualification Course, Fort Walters, Texas; 1966 transferred to Warrensburg Mo. as full-time flight instructor in fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft; 1968 Bean was transferred to State Headquarters, Missouri National Guard at Jefferson City with duties as Flight Instructor, Army Aviation Flight Activity. In 1969 he was designated as Senior Army Aviator and promoted to Major. At that time, he attended UH-1 (Huey) qualification course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. In 1971, Bean was named Commander, Army Aviation Flight Activity at Jefferson City. During 1973, Bean qualified as a multi-engine pilot. Following in 1974 he was Designated Master Army Aviator. 1975, Bean completed Command and General Staff College, and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and named State Army Aviation Officer on staff of the Adjutant General of Missouri; 1981 Bean was promoted to Colonel continuing duties as State Army Aviation Officer; 1987 Colonel Bean retired as Colonel and awarded the Legion of Merit, having served as State Army Aviation Officer for 12 years, longer than any predecessor had served. During this tenure, three new aviation facilities were built at Jefferson City, Whiteman Air Force Base and Springfield, Mo. During this 38-year career, the Missouri National Guard Aviation program grew from one location to three, from some 15 aircraft to 90 and from 25 assigned aviators to 115. Colonel Bean was assigned to five different Army branches and had qualified in 10 different Army aircraft, while amassing over 6000 accident-free flying hours. Colonel Bean's awards include Master Aviator Badge, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two hourglasses, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, 4th Award. His state awards are The Long Service Medal, State of Missouri, 30 years, Missouri Commendation Ribbon and the State Emergency Ribbon. Colonel Bean was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; Quiet Birdmen Pilot Group; and a fifty-year plus member of the Jefferson Lodge, A.F. & A.M. Colonel Bean truly loved flying throughout all of his life. After retirement he was a co-partner on a Cessna 177 airplane and would find any excuse to fly by himself, with friends or family. He enjoyed traveling immensely and traveled numerous places. He spoke most fondly of his time in Belgium, recalling those memories many, many times. Becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather was the greatest appointment of all times. He spent many hours enjoying woodworking and crafting the most memorable keepsakes for his forever loved grandchildren. He experienced so much joy in crafting the baby cradle for his first of five grandchildren and spent many hours making many toys. All are keepsakes now but the wooden helicopter carries much meaning as do the train sets, car haulers and of course, the toy baby cradle which was a mini of the original he crafted. If anyone would be troubled, his advice would be to trust your gut and you will find your answer. Willard will always be remembered as one that took his vows very seriously and it showed for the care he provided for his wife of 63 years. He was always generous with his time and love, when it came to family and friends, and he consistently put them first. Survivors include his son, Doug Bean (Vera) of Arlington Heights, Illinois; his daughter, Terri Riley (Carey) of Jefferson City, Mo.; two brothers, Wayne Bean (Carol) of Union, Mo. and Gary Bean (Jo Dean) of Niceville, Florida; five grandchildren, Ryan Riley, Amanda Riley, Kyle Riley (Gemma), Jennifer Klimala (Frank), and Nick Bean; two great-grandchildren, Ava Klimala and Carter Rose Riley, and two more great-grandchildren due in the coming months; and also survived by many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 63 years, Connie; and his sister, Anita Bean Link. A public graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2021, at the Mausoleum of Hawthorn Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. This service will conclude with full military honors conducted by the Missouri Army National Guard including a memorial helicopter flyover. Due to the pandemic, a private funeral service will be held in the Freeman Chapel that will be webcast at 11:00 a.m. Friday for all friends or extended family by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website and clicking the "webcasting" link. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. Friends can also mail to the funeral home a sympathy card or encouraged to write a favorite memory of Colonel Bean that will be shared with his family. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. www.freemanmortuary.com