Don Bean
Funeral service for Don Bean, 53, today
Funeral services for Don Bean, 53, are being conducted today (August 25) at 11 a.m. at Memorial Chapel in Casper. He died, apparently of a heart attack, while performing as a pianist at the Colonial Lounge late Saturday.
Bean was born Jan. 12, 1924 at Bellflower, Ill. He served as a private first class in the European theatre during World War II. In 1959 he moved to Casper from Cheyenne and became owner and manager of Crocker Claims Service of Casper.
Although Bean was never married, he was very interested in the welfare of young people. He was active in aiding youth organizations and in contributing toward the support or education of more than a score of individual youths. For his efforts, he recently was awarded a lifetime membership in the Wyoming Congress of Parents and Teachers Association.
An entertainer with many talent, Bean played piano and sang and he generously gave of these talents to many worthwhile projects. He was a member of the Korein Oriental Band.
Bean was well acquainted in Lusk, where he frequently visited. He has performed at many community drives as well as entertaining at private gatherings. He has talked to members of the drivers education classes in the high school giving pertinent advice on adjusting claims and other important matters.
Perhaps Bean's closest friend was Dick Price. They became friends when Price was attending Wyoming University and was a member of a barbershop quartette [sic] coached by Bean. He was godfather to the Price's three sons Tim, Rich, and Tom. Recently he loaned the Prices his recreation vehicle when they went to Iowa on vacation and substituted for Price at the Niobrara golf pro-shop. Price and Lex Madden have been his guests at the one-shot antelope hunt at Lander. He enjoyed sharing trips with others and Lex and Tim Price have both accompanied him on such a vacation.
Mr. and Mrs. Price were informed early Sunday morning of the death of their friend and left immediately for Casper. Mrs. Price returned to Lusk, but will accompany Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Price who are driving from Humboldt, Iowa to attend the memorial services.
Tom Bramlet, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bramlet, is another young man from Lusk in whom Bean has taken special interest. Since June 1, 1976, Tom has been associated in the Crocker Claim Service of Casper and it is understood Bean had great plans for his future.
Bean was a member of many fraternal, community and musical organizations, including the Niobrara Country Club.
Survivors include his mother, Alma E. Bean, Bloomington, Ill., one sister, Barbara D. Curtis, Austin, Tex., and a number of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials to the Shrine Crippled Children's Hospital or a charity of their choice.
Cremation in Billings will follow the memorial services and private interment will be at a later date.