Bean, Col. Donald J.
Colonel Donald James Bean, US Army (Ret.), 76, of Salem, also known as the Prince of East Bottom, passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.
He was born in Roanoke, the son of the late Col. Donald M. Bean and Ruby Earl Bean. He and one of his sons, James Earl Bean, were recently both inducted into the Salem Education Foundation & Alumni Association Hall of Fame. He was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School and received two master’s degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute.
Col. Jim Bean
He retired as a colonel in the Army following 30 years of active and reserve duty. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, served as president of the Roanoke Businessman’s Club, and was a member of Taylor Lodge and Kazim Shrine Temple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Jean Steckler Bean.
He is survived by two sons, James Earl Bean and his wife Michelle; Donald Shelton and his wife Jamie; daughter Jamie Tiki Smith; six grandchildren, Zachary Smith, D.J. Smith, Patti Smith, Laura Smith, Hannah Shelton and Daniel Shelton, as well as a special friend, Charlotte Johnson.
Funeral services were held Nov. 22 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem, with the Rev. Gary Robbins officiating. Burial followed at Sherwood Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Education Foundation, Bean Endowment, P.O. Box 1461, Salem, VA 24153. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
