Donald 'Don' Bean

DONALD "DON" JAMES BEAN

Marion

Donald "Don" James Bean of 3092 Stone Creek Ct., Marion, passed away June 19, 2017. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 22, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion, conducted by the Rev. Elizabeth Hilkerbaumer and the Rev. Dr. Nancy Redmond. The family will greet friends from 9:30 a.m. until time of service Thursday at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Don was born Aug. 7, 1928, in Haskins, Iowa, the son of Jim and Dorothy (Wall) Bean. He was married to Donna Schuessler on May 27, 1955, in Lone Tree. He graduated from Ainsworth High School, Iowa Wesleyan College and received his master's degree from the University of Iowa, where he continued to be a dedicated Hawkeye fan.

Don was a beloved teacher for 29 years as a PE teacher at Wright Elementary in Cedar Rapids. He also taught in Kalona and Dysart and coached girls' basketball at Washington High School.

When joining the army, his mom gave him a $2 bill so he would never be broke. Don carried that bill with him every day of his life. He served in the Korean War, staying in the Army reserves until retirement. Don retired as lieutenant colonel in the Army, being a West Point liaison officer for many years.

Don spent his retired years volunteering in the community. He was an elder of Kenwood Park Presbyterian Church and currently was a member of Marion First Presbyterian Church. Don was a member of the Marion American Legion Post No. 298 and Marion Kiwanis Club, of which he had served as president and lieutenant governor. His family was recognized as "Iowa's All American Family" in a national contest.

Don always was active in sports with golf being his second love after his family. He enjoyed many rounds of golf with good friends and scored two holes in one. After his golfing days, he still enjoyed sharing his golf expertise with his family as well as lessons in life with humor and love. Don was a great storyteller and shared many experiences and adventures.

His loving family includes his wife, Donna Bean; two daughters, Diane Bean and DeLana (Steve) Hubler, all of Marion; three granddaughters, who considered him a best friend, Ashley Hubler (Dorrie Reiff), Megan (Greg) Levenhagen and Samantha (Brock) Dykes; one great-grandson, Joben James Levenhagen; and three sisters-in-law, Carol Bean, Joanne Hopton and Joyce (Paul Shaffer) Werden.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Marion First Presbyterian Church, Marion Sunriser Kiwanis Club or the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight.

Please share a memory of Donald at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.