Joe Bean
Roxana |
Joe Frank Bean, a beloved father, grandfather, and community servant, passed away peacefully at 6:34 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Villas of Holly Brook in Bethalto, Illinois. He was 98. Born on May 29, 1927, in Waltonville, Illinois, Joe was the son of the late Albert and Annabel (Fagan) Bean. His life was dedicated to family, service to his country, and a distinguished career in environmental engineering.
On November 23, 1950, Joe married Harriet Susanna “Susie” Heldenbrand in Roxana, beginning a loving partnership that lasted until her passing on May 3, 2023. Together, they built a legacy of love and commitment that continues through their family. Joe is survived by his two daughters, Dr. Melissa Bean (Dr. Charles Halbeck) of Creve Coeur, Missouri, and Dr. Janella Moy (Dr. Edward Moy) of Edwardsville; two sons, Kevin Bean (Victoria) of Springfield and Joseph Bean (Karen Munger) of St. Charles, Missouri; and his cherished grandchildren: Elizabeth Singer, Charles Halbeck, Skyler van Rijn, Dr. Jonathan Bean, Dr. Andrew Bean, Dr. Richard Moy, Dr. Samuel Moy, William Moy, David Bean, Alison Bean, and Michael Bean. He also leaves behind eleven great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will miss his warmth and wisdom.
Joe’s professional career spanned 41 years as an environmental engineer, working at Sinclair, Clark, Shell Oil, and Valero until his retirement in 1992. A skilled and respected professional, he was a past member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE). His commitment to community was equally profound. Joe served as past president of the Roxana P.T.A., an assistant Boy Scout Leader for Troop 25, and a trustee of the First Baptist Church in Roxana, where his faith guided his actions. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Joe served in World War II in the Signal Corp from 1945 - 1946 at General Eisenhower Headquarters in Germany.
In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Joe was preceded in death by his sister, Lola May Harmon, and brothers, Albert Glen Bean and Donald W. Bean.
Joe’s life was a testament to service, family, and faith. His quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to those he loved will be remembered by all who knew him.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12 p.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River, Illinois. Glen Diveley will officiate. Burial with full military honors by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Roxana and may be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
Pitchford Funeral Home
