Jerry Ernest Bean, 89, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 18, 1936, in Richland, Kansas, a son of Jesse E. and Ruby Eunice (Cummings) Bean.
He was raised in Overbrook, Kansas, and graduated from Overbrook High School. While in high school, Jerry played football, basketball, and ran track. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Jerry served as Chaplain and was honorably discharged in 1962.
On December 18, 1965, in Overbrook, Kansas, he was united in marriage to Shirley May Crocker and this union was blessed with 54 wonderful years. For 23 years, the couple lived in Kansas City, where he was a manager for Bendix Corporation and a member of the Country Club 656 of Kansas City and a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge in Kansas City. After his retirement in 1988, they moved to Cooney Creek on Lake of the Ozarks.
Jerry dedicated many years of service to the Lakeview Heights Fire Protection District and to his community, including serving as Fire Chief from 1994 to 2010. He was also the Fire Representative for the Local Emergency Planning Committee, a member of the Bendix Management Club, Camera Club, and Junior Achievement. Jerry was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing, gardening, photography, and playing cards with family and friends, especially pitch and cribbage.
He is survived by his brothers, Harry Bean and Ursula of Punta Gorda, Florida, Raymond Bean and Marion of Buena Park, California, Dr. Kenneth Bean and Di of Wichita, Kansas, and Harold Lutz and Dixie of Berryton, Kansas; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Ruby Bean, and his wife, Shirley Bean on August 21, 2019.
Visitation began at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Lutheran School Gymnasium in Cole Camp and funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor John Brummet officiating. Burial was in Brushy Cemetery near Lincoln. Pallbearers were Volunteers of the Lakeview Heights Fire Department.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Lakeview Heights Fire Department or Brushy Cemetery in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. foxfuneralhomecolecampmo.com.
